Spain and its Very Visible Refugee Problem

Spain has always held a unique position regarding immigration in Europe due to its proximity to Africa via the Straits of Gibraltar, its colonial possessions in North Africa, and the existence of the Canary Islands off the African coast. These Spanish Islands off the coast of Africa have made them a magnet for refugees from many West African states.

Recently the Spanish Government has made a commitment to crack down on illegal immigration, much coming to the Canary Islands. Reflecting the desire for new tougher policies, nearly 750 illegal migrants were "repatriated" back to their home country of Senegal this week. Many of these immigrants come on small, often unsafe boats which often produce many casualties during the voyage from Africa, and in much of the rest of the world. With the Spanish Interior Ministry claiming that nearly 31,000 illegal migrants sail to the Canary Islands alone each year, it is a difficult problem for all states involved and often a perilous journey for the migrants themselves.

The dangerous situation of the migrants spurred some Spanish newspapers this week to publish articles and photos of migrants who have died during their journey to Spain and Europe. In El Mundo, a photo showing the bodies of dead migrants were highlighted with the note that said: “They are not sleeping, they are dead”. These gruesome photos were said to be the first time such images were published in Spanish newspapers, hoping to deter Migrants from making the journey which could lead to death for many. While this deterrence strategy is questioned by many, there is no doubt that refugees everywhere face certain perils in their journey for a better life.