Ms. Pilar del Castillo Vera
Minister of Education, Culture, and Sport
Calle Alcalá, 34
28014 Madrid
Spain

Fax: ++ 34 91 701 8000

Dear Minister,

I am writing to express my concern about abuses of children in Ceuta and Melilla described in the Human Rights Watch report, Nowhere to Turn: State Abuses of Unaccompanied Migrant Children by Spain and Morocco. The report documents cases of children who were arbitrarily denied access to basic education, or, in the case of older children who qualified for vocational education, prevented from participating in the practical portion of vocational education because the Department of Social Welfare had not applied for the necessary work permit. The report also raises concerns over the quality of education unaccompanied migrant children receive, particularly in Ceuta, where it appears that all those children who do receive instruction are educated separately from Spanish nationals.

I urge you to ensure that every unaccompanied migrant child enjoys the right to an education suited to his or her needs and abilities, on equal terms with Spanish children. Education should be provided in public schools wherever possible and any alternative arrangements for the education of unaccompanied migrant children outside of public schools should meet all the requirements of national education policy. Finally, in keeping with Spanish law, children above compulsory school age shold be permitted and encouraged to continue their education, and should have the right to receive vocational training in occupations likely to prepare them for future employment.

I look forward to receiving your reply, and thank you for your attention to this important human rights matter.

Sincerely,