Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-02-03 08:46:05
Madrid airport is currently facing challenges in accommodating a large influx of African asylum seekers, leading to cramped and unsanitary living conditions. The Red Cross has even stopped providing services at the airport in protest of the situation.
In recent weeks, an unprecedented number of migrants, primarily from Senegal, have arrived in Madrid seeking asylum as a layover on their way to other countries in South America that do not require entry visas. While waiting for their asylum claims to be processed, the migrants are kept in rooms designated for asylum seekers, where they have been facing overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.
The situation has reached critical levels with a surge in arrivals and an overwhelmed government trying to accommodate everyone. Even though a fourth room has been opened to cope with the increase, some asylum seekers are still forced to sleep on inflatable mattresses or share beds. The Spanish Commission for Aid to Refugees (CEAR) reported outbreaks of bedbugs, a build-up of garbage, and a shortage of towels for personal hygiene in these facilities.
The overcrowding and unsanitary conditions have been further highlighted by videos showing cockroaches on the floor and unsanitary conditions in the showers. The number of asylum claims made at the airport in January was higher than the total claims made in the previous year, indicating a significant increase in arrivals. Furthermore, the number of migrants held at the airport has also seen a substantial increase from the previous month.
The situation has become dire, with some migrants attempting to escape from the holding areas due to the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Some even tried to flee by breaking windows or crawling through a false ceiling. As the situation worsened, the Red Cross decided to stop providing services to asylum seekers at the airport, highlighting the indignity of the conditions.
The migrants seeking asylum at Madrid airport come from various African countries, including Senegal, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Somalia. Most of them try to dispose of their identity papers or declare themselves as minors to avoid immediate deportation. Moreover, the influx of asylum seekers is causing delays in the processing of asylum applications, resulting in long waiting times for the migrants.
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for urgent action by Spanish authorities to address the situation at the airport. To reduce the arrivals, Madrid has implemented transit visa requirements for Kenyan nationals and will soon impose the same requirement on Senegalese nationals.
Overall, the influx of African asylum seekers at Madrid airport has put a strain on the facilities and authorities, leading to overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions for the migrants. Urgent action is needed to improve the situation and ensure the dignified treatment and processing of asylum claims for these individuals.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
