Spanish NGOs, socialist party condemn Melilia authorities decision to expel families of delinquent minors
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/16/2002

Several social and non-governmental organizations and the Spanish socialist labor party (PSOE/opposition) denounced on Tuesday measures projected by the authorities of Melilia (Moroccan northern city still under Spanish rule) to expel non-Spanish families in case their minor children breach the laws.

The Spanish NGOs asked the local government to promote, instead, a reintegration program for the Moroccan minors found guilty of offenses instead of threatening their families and holding them responsible for their kids' misdemeanor.

The measure was dubbed as contrary to the minors' interests by chairman of the Spanish committee of the UNICEF while spokesman of the association of Moroccan Workers in Spain considers it unconstitutional.

The Spanish CC trade union said instead of expelling these families, authorities ought to carry out reintegration programs for the minor people.

The PSOE said it will request the Spanish government to explain to legislators the legal foundations of the measure.

Also, law experts said no judge will accept to support the expulsion of Moroccan families as it is an illegal measure since the law bans the expulsion of a minor.

The Spanish experts also insist that the United Nations 1989 convention on children provides for the protection of all children, regardless of their nationality.

The most-popular Spanish daily "El Pais" said it is an authoritarian and arbitrary decision and a manipulation of the laws on family reunion that were initially designed to facilitate the integration of foreigners.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco renews need for transparent and balanced ties with Spain   (12/12/2001)
  Morocco convinced Spain will respond to morocco's claims over occupied towns   (2/7/2001)
  Minister decries Spanish presence in two occupied Moroccan cities abnormal   (7/11/2000)

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