A young asylum seeker in the Canaries, Modou, recounts his fear of being relocated to the Peninsula, which led him to renounce his asylum application to remain in Gran Canaria.
Modou, a pseudonym for a minor asylum seeker who arrived in El Hierro over two years ago, is currently studying basic gardening in Gran Canaria with hopes of securing work upon turning 18. However, he faced a potential setback when he was informed of an impending transfer to the Peninsula as part of Supreme Court-mandated relocations. Fearing this forced relocation, he decided to renounce his asylum application. This decision reflects the desperation of many young asylum seekers who prioritize stability over legal protection in uncertain circumstances.
According to the Canarian government, Modou is not alone; around 120 other young individuals have similarly opted to abandon their pursuit of international protection to avoid relocation to regions on the mainland. This significant trend raises questions about the pressures these minors face and the implications of their choices, as renouncing asylum could expose them to further risks and vulnerabilities associated with their status as refugees. The local authority stresses the added psychological burden children experience when confronting such choices, highlighting the systemic flaws in the asylum process affecting young people.
The situation underscores broader issues within Spain's asylum policies, particularly regarding minors. The Canaries have become a focal point for migrants, and the decision by many minors to sacrifice their asylum claims due to fear of relocation signals a critical need for re-evaluation of how the system can better safeguard vulnerable populations, especially those who have faced persecution in their home countries. This case reflects ongoing challenges in ensuring that the rights and well-being of these young individuals remain a priority in the migration debate.
