Safe and Legal Access to Europe
The Jesuit Refugee Service and the Jesuit Migrant Service (JMS) Spain have issued a joint call for the creation of safe and legal pathways to Europe for forced migrants seeking refuge.
One year has now passed since 14 people died during a confrontation with Spanish border guards near Ceuta but effective training and safeguards have still not be implemented.
The Tarajal tragedy serves as a stark reminder about the lack of respect for the human dignity of forced migrants.
On 6 February 2014, Spanish border police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at a group of migrants who were swimming from Morocco towards the Tarajal beach on the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Fourteen migrants died. Those who managed to reach the beach were immediately returned to Morocco. According to international law they should have been given the chance to apply for asylum and given a fair hearing.
This massive violation of human rights must finally be properly investigated and we must make sure that they are not repeated, says JRS Europe senior policy officer, Mr Stefan Kessler.
Throughout 2014, many others have been returned to Morocco by Spain in the same way, using the so-called "hot returns" or pushbacks. Currently, Spain is trying to modify its legislation to legalize such practices. European border control cannot be made at any cost. The reform proposed by the Spanish government represents an abandonment of human rights and a failure to sustain principles of human dignity and justice. The reform would also violate EU law which expressly prohibits collective returns. The reform process must be stopped now, says JMS lawyer and advocacy officer Cristina Manzanedo.
While effective training and safeguards must be put in place for Spanish and Moroccan border police, European Union member states must also act to create more safe and legal ways for people fleeing conflict to reach Europe. In 2014, JRS Europe together with six other NGOs, developed a policy paper outlining a range of practical and effective measures that could be put in place to ensure this becomes a reality.
EU Institutions and Member States must take urgent steps to show they value human life over border control.
