Spain’s government has approved a reform to redistribute unaccompanied migrant minors from the overcrowded Canary Islands to various regions in mainland Spain. This decision comes after months of political stalemate between regional authorities and the central government, aiming to alleviate the pressure on migrant reception centres struggling to accommodate the rising number of children and teenagers arriving on the islands.

The Canary Islands have become a primary entry point for migrants, particularly from North Africa. Local leaders have voiced concerns over inadequate resources to care for the thousands of unaccompanied minors arriving on their shores. Spain’s central government manages adult migrants, while unaccompanied minors fall under the responsibility of regional authorities, creating a gap that has prompted this reform.

Ángel Victor Torres, the minister responsible for relations with Spain’s regions, hailed the measure as a significant advancement in the defence of human rights. The adjustment will consider metrics like population size, per capita income, and unemployment rates to ensure appropriate distribution of minors across Spain.

The number of unaccompanied minors currently housed in the Canary Islands exceeds five thousand. Although final details are being finalised, the wealthier region of Catalonia is expected to accommodate a modest number of around twenty to thirty minors as part of this initiative. This broader effort highlights the continuing challenges in managing migration in a region known for its perilous sea routes.