A new report urges authorities to develop public policies aimed at more than just reducing migrant arrivals, addressing dangers and establishing credible legal pathways. The Atlantic Route, Sahel, and Canary Islands report, produced by the Spanish Institute of Migration Analysis (IEAM) in collaboration with the Canary Islands government, reveals that while migrant arrivals to the archipelago have decreased by 55.1% this year, fatalities and dangers for those crossing the Atlantic continue unabated.
Focusing solely on visible migration flows, the report states, leads to transformed routes and overlooked vulnerabilities. It recommends a strategy that not only reduces arrivals but also lowers death rates, diminishes the profitability of criminal networks, supports local alternatives, and reinforces credible regular mobility.
This report follows a workshop in Gran Canaria attended by institutional representatives, security forces, international organisations, humanitarian actors, and experts in migration routes and protection.
The IEAM stresses the importance of moving beyond a Eurocentric view of African migration, noting most moves are intra-African rather than towards Europe. It warns that addressing the Atlantic route is not synonymous with solving the issue, as the focus on arrival figures can lead to a simplistic understanding of migration dynamics.
Recent decreases in arrivals could reflect enhanced interceptions or prolonged stays in certain areas rather than a definitive reduction in migration, with risks of routes becoming more clandestine and dangerous, reminiscent of changes seen in Niger’s migration patterns since 2015.
Despite risks, migration continues in West Africa as it is often a communal decision rather than solely individual. Families mobilize resources collectively to support a youth’s journey, instilling hope and expectation within their communities. The report highlights the need for credible alternatives to migration, such as employment, training, and local security, to dissuade youth from taking perilous routes.
The IEAM notes the importance of understanding the human aspect of return operations, which should not be viewed merely as logistical actions. It emphasizes the emotional ramifications for returnees, who may face debt, trauma, and stigma.
Additionally, the report calls for a comprehensive approach to the specific vulnerabilities faced by women and children during migration, including risks of sexual exploitation and forced marriages. It advocates for stronger gender-sensitive measures within support systems and recognises that many so-called ‘unaccompanied minors’ may actually have family connections, necessitating a more nuanced treatment of their circumstances.
In conclusion, this report underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to migration that addresses root causes, enhances local opportunities, and prioritises safety and dignity for all involved.
