Reuters AlertNet Lite - Migrants storm Morocco-Spain border fence

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Migrants storm Morocco-Spain border fence - MAP

25 Dec 2006 16:51:08 GMT
Source: Reuters

RABAT, Dec 25 (Reuters) - A group of illegal migrants tried in vain to scale a 6-metre (20-foot) fence between northern Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Monday and 40 of them were arrested, Moroccan state news agency MAP reported.

Three waves of migrants stormed the razor-wire barrier, MAP cited local police as saying, awakening memories of similar assaults since October last year in which at least eight people have been shot dead.

With security on Europe's southern flank tighter than ever, thousands of African migrants are stranded in Morocco after fleeing political violence or poverty.

Many are camping out in woods and scrubland near the Spanish coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, waiting for a chance to reach Europe by boat or with a false passport. But many lack official papers and, unable to find work, are reduced to begging.

Morocco has called for help managing the migrants. In August the European Union gave it 76 million euros ($100 million) to help manage migration, boost border security and crack down on human trafficking.

The kingdom has deported thousands of the migrants and the authorities say they have broken up more than 360 human trafficking gangs this year.

The Moroccan government says the migrants are treated well and given food, water and health care before being sent home, but many migrants complain of discrimination and harassment by the authorities.

On Saturday, over 200 migrants were rounded up in dawn raids in suburbs of the capital Rabat.

The police said the swoop was aimed at fighting illegal migration and trafficking networks and that nine traffickers were arrested.

Eyewitnesses said the police ignored U.N. refugee papers held by some of the migrants. The Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH) said the round-up violated international human rights conventions that the government has signed.

"It was awful," said a 35-year-old Gambian who said he saw the round-up taking place. "The police came while people were sleeping and took them by surprise. Many were beaten."

Officials at Morocco's Interior Ministry did not immediately answer calls seeking comment.

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Last updated:Mon Dec 25 16:53:01 2006