Spanish Church Calls for Stronger Protection of Migrant Minors

The Spanish Episcopal Conference has urged authorities to reinforce safeguards for migrant children arriving on Spanish soil. In a statement released ahead of the upcoming World Day of the Migrant and Refugee scheduled for 27 September 2026, the conference highlighted the heightened vulnerability of unaccompanied minors who cross borders without family support. The document stresses that each child carries a unique story marked by fear, hope and trauma, and therefore deserves full protection and respect. The call was issued by Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos, who serves as president of the Church’s Migration Commission. He argued that policies must shift from a focus on statistics to a personal encounter with each minor, emphasizing that recognizing a child’s individuality transforms the relationship from one of management to one of genuine welcome.

The bishop warned that migrant children are exposed to dangerous routes, trafficking networks, exploitation and legal obstacles that hinder their integration. He also noted that many carry unresolved grief from family separation, which can affect their future social inclusion. In response, the conference called on national administrations to translate sensitivity into concrete measures that guarantee education, health care, housing and legal protection. The appeal underscores that every person holds infinite worth and that dignity must be upheld through effective access to basic rights. The statement also cautioned against polarizing rhetoric that pits local populations against newcomers, urging dialogue among all social actors to address migration challenges without resorting to simplistic solutions.

Finally, the bishops referenced papal teaching to reaffirm the right to migrate, the right not to be forced to leave one’s homeland, and the responsibility of states to manage borders while respecting human dignity.