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As Formentera prepares for arrival of migrants on coasts, Consell educates islanders on steps to follow

image51Alejandra Ferrer, president of the Consell de Formentera, Rafael Ramírez, Formentera’s chief of social welfare, and Enrique Sánchez Navarrete, Madrid’s envoy in the Pine Islands, told island residents about efforts public administrations have made in recent months in response to the arrival of migrants on Formentera’s coast.

Attendees of the Casa del Poble event heard about the response when watercraft arrive unannounced, the first stage of assistance that migrants receive, the status new arrivals are given depending on whether they are adults or minors, and subsequent steps they are expected to take. Also on hand at the gathering were Formentera’s interior councillor Josep Marí, local police chief Félix Ramos and, commanding officer of the Formentera barracks, José María Estévez.

The president highlighted the “remarkable coordination that takes place between the distinct administrations when migrants arrive on the island” and saluted “the extraordinary efforts of Formentera’s Department of Social Welfare, even weekends”. “We are acutely aware of the humanitarian emergency this represents”, said Ferrer, “and know that, if migrants are braving this crossing, it’s the result of a bigger problem that requires political and social solutions. We’ve pushed for such measures in plenary assemblies”.

Councillor Ramírez pointed out that the support offered by the Consell, available by request, “includes food, clothing, footwear and, if necessary, orientation towards healthcare services”. When migrants are under age, said Ramírez, the local Formentera government is responsible for them: “National police oversee their identification, then staff assess the minor’s situation and the individual becomes responsibility of the Consell de Formentera until the age of eighteen”.

Authority in cases of irregular arrivals lies with the central government. Madrid’s envoy gave an overview of the steps that are taken when a boat arrives unannounced on local shores, what services are offered and what happens to migrants afterwards.

25 October 2019
Department of Communication
Consell de Formentera