Global rights groups, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, have demanded that Spanish and Moroccan authorities conduct investigations into the deaths of dozens of migrants who tried crossing into the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco. Their demand comes against the backdrop of Moroccan authorities prosecuting 65 migrants involved in the attempt to breach the border last Friday.
HRW called for an “independent, impartial investigation” into the deaths of 23 African men who tried to scale the border fence on Friday and said that only a proper probe could determine who was responsible for the loss of life. “Video and photographs show bodies strewn on the ground in pools of blood, Moroccan security forces kicking and beating people, and Spanish Guardia Civil launching teargas at men clinging to fences,” the organisation said in a statement released on Wednesday.
It also urged the international community to ensure that such an event does not occur again, pointing to the obligations countries have under international law “to treat all migrants with dignity and to prioritise their safety and human rights while refraining from the use of excessive force.”
Death toll continues to rise around the tragic events at the #Melilla border crossing.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 28, 2022
Crucial to clearly establish facts, through a thorough investigation as also requested by the Spanish authorities.
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It asserted that for the investigations to be credible, authorities should allow the participation of international experts and monitors. The rights group also accused Spain of “turning a blind eye” to Morocco’s abuses against migrants and even cooperating with Rabat in pushing back migrants via “abusive model that has served as a blueprint for the European Union’s approach to migration and asylum.”
In a similar vein, Amnesty International accused Moroccan authorities of trying to cover up the reasons behind the deaths by hastily digging graves to bury the bodies without conducting autopsies. It thus called for an “independent and thorough” investigation.
Amnesty also accused Spain of double standards. “In an unprecedented act of solidarity, Spain has welcomed more than 124,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion and yet we allow potential refugees fleeing other wars to die,” the watchdog said, adding that “this position can only be described as racist.”
“It is time to put an end to this policy which allows and encourages serious human rights violations. A ‘business as usual’ approach is no longer valid amid the blood and shame.”
I sorrowfully heard the news of the tragedy of the #migrants in Texas and #Melilla. Let us #PrayTogether for these brothers and sisters who died following their hope of a better life; and for ourselves, may the Lord might open our hearts so these misfortunes never happen again.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 28, 2022
The deaths were also condemned by the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), world leaders, and Spanish and Moroccan human rights groups. AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed “deep shock” at the “violent and degrading treatment of African migrants” trying to enter Spain. “The Chairperson calls for an immediate investigation into the matter, and reminds all countries of their obligations under international law to treat all migrants with dignity,” the AU said in a statement on Sunday.
Similarly, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on authorities to investigate the matter without delay. Bachelet also noted that the deaths of 23 migrants were the “highest number of deaths in a single incident” in many years and deplored the actions of the Moroccan police.
The incident was also condemned by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borell, and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Borell even called on the EU to adopt a new migration policy. “It is high time to agree on a common and sustainable migration and asylum policy, working with countries of origin and transit on paths for regular migration to prevent violence and loss of life at the EU’s external borders,” he said.
On Friday, thousands of African migrants tried to scale the border fence from Morocco into Melilla. While over 500 migrants managed to cross the fence and slip into the enclave, dozens died while attempting the climb. Reports on the death toll range from 23 to 87.
I am shocked by the violence on the Nador-Melilla border on Friday which resulted in the deaths of dozens of migrants & asylum seekers.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 29, 2022
The use of excessive force is unacceptable, and the human rights and dignity of people on the move must be prioritized by countries.
Spanish Prime Minister (PM) Pedro Sánchez called the attempt an attack on Spain’s “territorial integrity” and blamed mafias engaged in human trafficking for the deaths. Spain and Morocco also reported injuries to hundreds of their border guards.
Morocco has even begun prosecuting 65 migrants involved in the attempt to breach the border fence. Judicial authorities said most of the migrants were from Sudan and accused them of igniting fires, attacking security forces, and facilitating illegal border crossings.
The Melilla catastrophe took place just two months after Spain recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region as part of a wider effort to improve historically strained ties. The move was seen as an attempt by Spain to garner Morocco’s cooperation in controlling the flow of migrants.
A significant portion of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East travel to Europe via Morocco, giving Rabat significant control over migratory flows into Europe. Spain has recently seen a rise in illegal immigrants owing to the Syrian civil war and other regional conflicts. In fact, in May 2021 alone, more than 8,000 migrants from Morocco tried to cross into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, resulting in Spanish security forces using force and firing tear gas to prevent migrants from entering Spanish territory.