Spain shouldn't contribute to human rights violations committed by Morocco: Council of Europe

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Council of Europe's human rights commissioner on Tuesday urged Spain to not contribute to human rights violations committed by Morocco over the Melilla migrant tragedy.

"Spain, like other Council of Europe member states, should not directly or indirectly contribute to human rights violations through measures taken to implement their migration cooperation with third countries," Dunja Mijatovic said in a statement.

The situation on the borders between Morocco and Spain "proves once again the urgent need to improve responsibility-sharing and solidarity measures between the Council of Europe member states," she said, recalling the June 24 incident where at least 23 people died while jumping the Melilla fence.

There is "no genuine and effective access" to asylum on the border between the Moroccan city of Nador and Melilla, Mijatovic added.

"In practice, there seems to be no other way to enter Melilla and seek protection with the relevant authorities other than by swimming or jumping the fence, risking one’s life," she said. "This situation must be addressed comprehensively to make sure that those in need of protection can access the territory through legal and safe ways."

The commissioner welcomed the opening of investigations by the prosecutor general and the Spanish ombudsman on the Melilla tragedy, however she voiced concern over first findings which stated that "on that date 470 people were returned to Morocco without any legal procedure being observed."

"While all states have the right to control their borders and to engage in cooperation with other states in doing so, this must be done in full compliance with all applicable international human rights standards," Mijatovic said.