Spain: Hundreds demonstrate against migrant living conditions on Canary Island November 14

Event

Hundreds are reported to have demonstrated on the island of Gran Canaria on Saturday, November 14, in protest of the living conditions of thousands of migrants who are judged by local officials to be living in 'inhumane and degrading' conditions. Participants reportedly marched across the island, some doing so in their cars, with the procession concluding in the Arguineguin dock in the town of Mogan where the 2000 migrants are living in tents. The protest was reported to have remained peaceful.

Spanish authorities announced on Friday, November 13, that they would increase security measures in and around the Canary Islands following an increase in migrant crossings from Africa in recent weeks. Security forces deployed three additional vessels, as well as fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and a submarine, to support existing forces stationed in the Canaries and in the waters between Africa and the islands. Some 17,000 people have made the crossing in 2020, ten times more than in 2019, including 2213 last weekend. Additional facilities are to be opened throughout the archipelago in the coming weeks.

A heightened security presence is to be expected at port facilities throughout the islands over the medium term. Further associated protests are likely to take place in the near term. 

Advice

Those in the Canary Islands are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.