Spain and Morocco: Failure to protect the rights of migrants

Amnesty International today releases a report criticising Spain’s failure, one year on, to conclude investigations on the deaths of 13 migrants and hundreds wounded in Ceuta and Melilla in September/October 2005. (Available below)

The new report, based on victim’s testimonies and contacts with Spanish and Moroccan authorities, concludes that there has been no progress in terms of independent investigations, preventive measures and disciplinary action.

Amnesty International remains seriously concerned about allegations of excessive use of force by the Spanish civil guard, including use of firearms when confronting migrants and asylum seekers.

As recently as July 2006, three more people have been killed as they attempted to enter Spain from Morocco. The Spanish Minister of the Interior has failed to provide promised information on these as well as previous deaths.

In a letter, (see below) Amnesty International urged the EU to ensure that Spain conducts an independent investigation into the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and that adequate human rights provisions are inserted in any EU-Morocco readmission agreement

Document Links:

• Report (summary only) - Spain and Morocco: failure to protect the rights of migrants - one year on
• Report (complete) - Spain and Morocco: failure to protect the rights of migrants one year on
• Report (Spanish) - España y Marruecos: Falta de protección de los derechos de las personas migrantes: Ceuta y Melilla un año después
• Letter
• Further information on the new.amnesty.org website

For further comment/background and interviews:
Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels)
Tel: +32-2-5021499
Fax: +32-2-5025686
Email: AmnestyIntl@aieu.be