Migrants of African descent Murdered at Spain-Morocco Border
On the 28 June, 2022, the IFSW Africa Region raised a concern on human rights on the lives of migrants.
On June 24, 2022, the world witnessed yet another tragic event: the gruesome killing of many Africans at the Melila border between Morocco and Spain. In a viral footage, Moroccan police officers were seen violating and shooting at Africans to hinder them from crossing over to Spain. Some sources claim 47 people died and more injured among some 2,000 people attempting to migrate. This incident is indeed disheartening as it further reveals the unending police brutality and degrading treatment against migrants. Africans especially are among the worst hit of this violation as they attempt to flee war-torn countries in search for refuge.
Every human, regardless of their home country, is protected under the International Human Rights Law which promotes dignity and respect for human life. African migrants from war-torn and extremely poor countries are not excluded from this Law. They are supposed to be protected against all forms of degradation and assured of their human rights.
We at IFSW Africa Region condemn such violation against human rights and support the onset of an investigation. We plead for international organisations, African government, NGOs and individuals to regard the rights of everyone to avoid similar occurrences. We also strongly believe that peace and improved quality of life in African countries will decrease the number of people willing to migrate. Lastly, development workers including social workers need to increase awareness about illegal migration and encourage safe and legal migration.
See statement form IFSW global ‘TRAGEDY FOR DISPLACED PEOPLES IN NORTH AFRICAN HIGHLIGHTS URGENT NEED FOR NEW STRUCTURES’