Name of the organization: Solidary Wheels
Title of the project: Social and Legal Assistance for People on the Move and Advocacy on the Southern Border: Melilla
Date of the update: October 2024
In Melilla, there are several “shelters” for these minors, the largest being the “Fuerte Purísima” Residential Educational Center for Minors, where only migrant youth and children (from 12 to 18 years old) in distress reside. The center is located in an old military barracks on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to garbage dumps, the border fence, and a large cemetery. The conditions inside resemble those of a penitentiary: barred windows, “anti-suicide” railings, and strict daily schedules.
In this environment of hostility and neglect, conflicts and violence within the center are inevitable. In July, we supported three boys who were forced to leave the center after suffering repeated assaults. The center’s staff failed to intervene adequately, leaving their safety and protection at risk.
Our team worked on a strategy of advocacy to address the situation and uphold the best interests of the minors. We submitted an injury report to the relevant child protection authorities and, through the Department of Social Welfare, initiated a mediation process between the boys and the center. Thanks to the involvement of all parties, including Solidary Wheels, the center, and the department, the boys were relocated to a different module to create distance from the aggressors
However, bullying continues, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive measures. Solidary Wheels continues to monitor the situation, pushing for concrete actions to ensure the safety and protection of these children and to hold the center accountable for safeguarding their rights.
