Over the past few days, several boats carrying migrants have arrived at Lanzarote. The transfers from the Temporary Attention Centre for Foreigners (CATE) in Arrecife are expected to conclude today, with 61 rescued individuals remaining at the facility after a Sunday rescue operation.
The situation’s development hinges on whether there are any further arrivals. In recent days, Lanzarote has seen multiple rescue and landing operations, providing assistance to approximately 400 people. Officials anticipate that the CATE in Arrecife will be cleared by the end of today, assuming no new boats arrive.
The ongoing influx has necessitated the organisation of transfers to create space in temporary accommodation facilities on the island. Future conditions will partly depend on the number of departures from African coasts and navigational conditions.
In terms of unaccompanied migrant minors, 14 are reported to be in care at facilities managed by the Cabildo of Lanzarote, while a further 38 are being assisted by government-operated services, including those supported by UNHCR. This brings the total number of minors being cared for to 52, with around 18 having entered these facilities in the past week and a half. It is expected that the newly arrived minors will soon be transferred to other locations for continued care.
Caring for unaccompanied minors requires specific protective measures and ongoing support from relevant authorities, adding to the accommodation and assistance demands faced by reception services following the recent rescue operations.
