Thousands of children and teenagers remain stranded in Ceuta, and girls report fears of sexual violence | Photo: Jan-Philipp Scholz/DW
Thousands of children and teenagers remain stranded in Ceuta, and girls report fears of sexual violence | Photo: Jan-Philipp Scholz/DW

Cases of sexual violence against minors are rising in Ceuta. Several thousand children remain in the Spanish exclave after thousands of people breached Morocco's border at the end of July.

Thousands of children and teenagers remain stranded in Spain's North African exclave of Ceuta, where authorities say shelters are full and many minors are living on the streets.

Girls report fears of sexual violence, while police are investigating at least 15 alleged abuse cases. Local officials have said they are overwhelmed by the number of unaccompanied minors and are calling for urgent action.

Despite harsh living conditions, many young people say they still hope for a better future and do not want to return to Morocco.

Report: Jan-Philipp Scholz

First published: August 19, 2026

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Source: dw.com