The Canary Islands has issued a huge warning to the European Union as it demands action on the 22,000 migrants that are crossing the Atlantic.
One person dies every 45 minutes crossing from Africa to the Spanish archipelago, according to a government spokesperson.
The islands’ authorities have sent an invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to witness first-hand the “crisis”.
Alfonso Cabello, Canary Islands government spokesman, stressed the need for EU involvement following a 126 percent surge in boats arriving from Africa compared to last year.
“Europe must look again to its southern border,” he said in his letter to von der Leyen. “It cannot remain oblivious. Inaction is contrary to this European identity, which has been shaped as the greatest area of security, freedom, and wellbeing.”
The presence of the European Commission President would be seen by residents “as a symbol of the European Union‘s commitment to this outermost territory”, Cabello added.
The Canary Islands has recorded over 22,300 migrants arriving since the beginning of the year, with even higher numbers expected in the coming months.
Juan Carlos Lorenzo, coordinator of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid, explained that numbers intensify during the last few months of the year due to migration routes being more navigable.
The migrants predominantly come from Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania.
It is among the deadliest migratory routes, with more than 4,800 deaths reported already this year, according to NGO estimates.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo has called for increased support from Brussels, asserting that the islands cannot continue to bear the burden alone.
He emphasised the need for effective integration projects for minors and comprehensive policies in migrants’ countries of origin to prevent further exodus.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is currently visiting countries in West Africa to help alleviate the migration crisis.
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