Ceuta migrant crisis: Spain shelters thousands after deadly border surge

More than 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on July 30, in one of the deadliest migration crises between the two countries, with at least 90 deaths reported Source: AP News. Weeks later, thousands remain in the city, living in makeshift camps on beaches and streets, while Spanish authorities struggle to shelter them and determine their numbers Source: AP News.

The humanitarian toll

Estimates of the remaining migrants vary widely: city officials say 9,000 to 10,000, while Spain's interior ministry puts the figure at roughly 5,000 Source: AP News. The UN refugee agency highlights major challenges in access to shelter, food, and basic services, and urges Spain to process asylum claims for about 1,200 eligible migrants Source: AP News. Migrant women report sexual harassment and assault, with more than a dozen setting up camps near the reception centre Source: Al Jazeera, SCMP.

The response

On August 20, Spanish police cleared El Trampolín beach, relocating migrants to temporary shelters with capacity for 1,800, to be expanded progressively Source: Euronews. In a U-turn, Spain announced plans to transfer 500 unaccompanied migrant girls to the mainland, despite the EU's stance supporting return to Morocco Source: The Guardian, Euronews. The EU is also set to boost funding for Morocco's migration management as part of a partnership agreement Source: Euronews.

Disagreements

Sources differ on the number of deaths: official figures cite at least 90, while human rights groups report higher tolls Source: Euronews. The number of migrants remaining in Ceuta is also disputed, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 Source: AP News. Additionally, some migrants told The New York Times that Moroccan authorities encouraged them to cross, a claim Morocco denies Source: Euronews.