In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Family, Youth and Social Affairs of Madrid, Torres stressed that the reception mechanism for unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents must continue to be applied as long as the migratory contingency situation persists in territories such as Canarias, Ceuta, and Melilla.
The Canarian minister highlighted that, although this mechanism has helped reduce overcrowding, the contingency cannot be considered over while these territories bear migratory pressure that triples their ordinary reception capacity. He described this system as a “historic milestone” long demanded by the communities most affected by migration.
“"It is the Government of Spain that is most supporting these communities. Díaz Ayuso's colleagues who govern in these contingency territories should demand explanations from the Community of Madrid about their refusal and why they place so many obstacles to a system that is allowing overcrowding to be alleviated and the lives of these unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents to be improved."
Torres criticized the temporary postponement on March 26 of the transfer of seven minors from Ceuta due to an allegation by the Community of Madrid. In response, the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Madrid ruled that transfer resolutions are valid and enforceable administrative acts, with no circumstances justifying their suspension.
The minister reiterated his willingness for dialogue and institutional cooperation with all autonomous communities to ensure an effective, legal, and focused response on the protection of minors, asserting that all actions are legally supported and respect Human Rights and the principle of the best interests of the child.
