Rights groups slam Spain over child deportations to Morocco

Spain urged to halt the repatriation of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in May.

Human rights groups have denounced Spain’s expulsion of hundreds of unaccompanied children to Morocco, calling the deportations illegal and urging an immediate halt to the process. Amnesty International spokesman Angel Gonzalo said the deportations of minors and refugees began on Friday and continued on Saturday. The Spanish radio station Cadena Ser said 15 children were deported from Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta so far. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and did not immediately respond to requests for comment or confirm the numbers of children affected.