The Councilor of Families and Social Affairs, Catalina Cirer, has assured that the Balearic Government will study “in depth” the petition of the Consell de Formentera to return the competences related to the guardianship of unaccompanied immigrant minors. This issue arises after an agreement of the insular plenary that seeks to transfer this responsibility to the Govern. Cirer, during a press conference, acknowledged that the content of the request has not yet been evaluated in detail. However, he stressed that this return of competences would be limited exclusively to immigrant minors and would not affect the whole child protection system.
An “unusual” case with logistical challenges
The councilor described the situation as “unusual” and stressed that any change would have to go through a structured process with legal guarantees. “It is necessary to analyze whether this request is feasible and how it could fit in legally,” she said. Cirer also mentioned that Formentera faces a serious problem due to the number of immigrant boats arriving on the island. This pressure poses a challenge, as Formentera lacks the necessary infrastructure to adequately care for these minors.
Inter-island solidarity
Given the lack of capacity in Formentera, the consellera highlighted the collaboration of Mallorca, which takes in most of the immigrant minors arriving to the Pitiusa Menor. Although the minors are transferred, the guardianship remains under the responsibility of the Consell de Formentera. “It is a complex problem, but it is important to highlight the solidarity of Mallorca and its citizens, who are bearing most of the pressure in terms of reception,” Cirer added.
Next steps
The Government will hold meetings with those responsible for Formentera to advance in the analysis of this proposal, assessing its feasibility and the impact it could have on the child protection system in the Balearic Islands.
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