Spanish Police Investigate Alleged Rape of Several Migrant Girls in Ceuta

At least five girls under the age of 14 have been treated over the past week at Ceuta University Hospital (HUCE) following alleged sexual assaults, according to several Spanish media outlets citing healthcare sources.

The girls are reportedly believed to have entered the Spanish autonomous city irregularly from Morocco during the mass arrival of migrants recorded on July 30.

According to the same sources, the number of alleged victims could be higher, as some of the girls reportedly did not file complaints. Authorities are also investigating at least one case involving a male minor.

Spanish National Police Investigate Alleged Rape

According to El Español, the Spanish National Police are investigating the alleged rape of a migrant minor.

The girl was taken to Ceuta University Hospital, where healthcare professionals reportedly identified injuries consistent with an alleged sexual assault.

Authorities have so far provided no further details about the investigation, which remains ongoing. Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and, if appropriate, identify those responsible.

Organisations Warn of Increased Risk of Sexual Violence Against Migrant Girls

Several organisations working on the ground say they have assisted women and adolescent girls who allegedly suffered sexual assaults after arriving in Ceuta.

They also report numerous alleged attempts at sexual assault, some of which were reportedly prevented by local residents.

The Sidi Embarek Residents' Association says it has provided shelter to several young women in particularly vulnerable situations. Its president, Abdellah Mustafa, said local residents had made an extraordinary effort to ensure that the girls were not left without protection or support.

Meanwhile, Save the Children has warned that migrant girls and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and human trafficking while they remain outside formal protection systems.

The organisation is calling for the urgent identification of all minors and their transfer to safe facilities where they can receive specialised care, protection and psychological support.

Police Prioritise Identification of the Most Vulnerable Minors

On Friday, the Spanish National Police prioritised the identification of girls and children under the age of 13, following comments by Minister for Youth and Children Sira Rego.

The minister said that the mass arrival of migrants had changed the profile of the minors currently in Ceuta.

According to Rego, this latest influx has included more girls and very young children, increasing the need to strengthen reception and protection measures for minors.

The Spanish Government also plans to accelerate the first transfers of minors from Ceuta to mainland Spain in the coming days, with the aim of reducing pressure on the city's reception facilities.

The investigations into the alleged sexual assaults remain ongoing, and authorities will have to establish both the number of potential victims and the circumstances surrounding each alleged case.