Introduction
In Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, Trampolín Beach has transformed into an informal temporary settlement, accommodating approximately 1,500 migrants. The direct cause of this phenomenon is the severe overcrowding of the local Temporary Immigrant Stay Center (CETI) following a large-scale arrival of migrants on July 30, leaving it unable to provide shelter for all stranded individuals.
Makeshift Camps on the Beach
Currently, about 20 makeshift shacks built by migrants have appeared on Trampolín Beach. The materials for these shacks are mostly locally sourced reeds and branches, supplemented with plastic sheets and fabrics, primarily serving to provide shade and a place to rest at night. These temporary structures vary in size; smaller ones can only hold a few people, while larger ones can accommodate 10 to 15 individuals together. Migrants stack their personal belongings inside and outside the shacks, indicating that their stay here is prolonging.
Demographics of Stranded Migrants
Statistics show that the stranded migrant group on the beach comes from diverse backgrounds. About 80% of them are from Sub-Saharan African countries, including a group of approximately 150 Sudanese. The remaining individuals are from countries and regions such as Morocco, Algeria, Yemen, and Tunisia. Migrants from different backgrounds live together in this temporary camp, waiting for the authorities’ next resettlement arrangements.
Self-Help and External Aid Amid Hardship
Faced with harsh living conditions, some migrants have demonstrated proactive self-organization. The group of about 150 Sudanese migrants has spontaneously organized to regularly pick up trash on the beach and clean their living areas. They stated that although this is only a temporary residence, they hope to do their best to keep the environment clean before leaving.
Meanwhile, local authorities and humanitarian organizations have taken action. The government has urgently installed 10 mobile toilets, about 30 shower facilities, and multiple water supply points in a nearby empty lot, and has begun laying power and lighting lines. The Spanish Red Cross, with the assistance of the police, distributes food to the migrants daily and provides basic medical services to alleviate their fundamental survival pressures.
An Uncertain Future
These makeshift shacks on the beach have become the most visual symbol of the pressure on Ceuta’s migrant resettlement system. Although these facilities are completely unsuitable for long-term living, with their destinations unknown, some migrants continue to reinforce and improve their temporary shelters. The existence of this temporary camp indicates that the plight of these stranded migrants may persist for some time, and a long-term solution remains to be defined.
