Video
04 March 2021

FRA Director on the migration situation in the Canary Islands

FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty visited the Canary Islands in March 2021 to get a sense of the migration situation there. He highlights the need to support the Canary Islands in relocating unaccompanied children and providing clear procedures on asylum applications.

Transcript

Michael O'Flaherty: "I am wrapping up a short visit to the Canary Islands, where I have been getting a sense of the migration situation of people arriving here from the African coast. My visit coincides with the publication of an important report on the topic by the Spanish Ombudsman. The Canary Islands need support as they cope with this situation, including for the relocation of unaccompanied children. All arriving people need the benefit of clear procedures, including regarding how they can make an asylum application, if they so wish. The Fundamental Rights Agency will play its part in supporting this region, Spain and the European Union as they face the responsibilities."