The Canary Islands, the southernmost region of Spain consisting of seven islands, is facing a migration and humanitarian crisis at its shores. The islands have become the destination for the migration route from West Africa to Spain through the Atlantic. More than 5,000 migrants have died attempting to arrive in just the first five months of 2024. This year alone, 41,245 migrants, a record high, have risked their lives fleeing conflict and economic insecurity, and seeking a chance to provide for their families. Migrants come mainly from Western African countries like Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Mali, and Guinea. The distance from Senegal is approximately 600-1,200 miles, and the trip is often made in an overcrowded traditional wooden fishing canoe. Migrants endure the unforgiving ocean for days and face dehydration, motion sickness, and immense fear. Following a Senegalese farmer, Mouhamed Oulay, the BBC portrays the difficulties faced by migrants fleeing to the Canary Islands: “The boat could capsize, killing everyone. If you fall into the water, what would you hold on to? The only possibility is death, but you have to take risks.” The great risk taken by these migrants reveal the necessary measures that need to be taken by countries involved to protect human rights and ensure migrant safety.

The Spanish Interior Ministry data reveals that 154 boats arrived on El Hierro, the Canary Island migrant route, with 14,535 people in 2023 alone. This level of migration has caused severe concerns for the local population as well as future migrants because of El Hierro’s domestic population of 12,000. Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands government, reports that the system is overrun, and as a result, rescuers, police, and volunteers are stretched beyond their limits. Clavijo insists that “The consequence is that more people will die; we won’t be able to assist migrants as they deserve.” As migrants keep flowing in, the government has issued a warning that they simply do not have the resources to give them essential human rights. Responsibility needs to be taken by both host and receiving countries to ensure that migrants have these rights. All countries involved must play a role and, most importantly, address the root causes of migration.

The issue of migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands was also extremely prevalent in 2006. Problems persisted because of the poor economic opportunities and political and ethnic violence occurring in Western African countries. Walter Kemp, Senior Vice President at the International Peace Institute, published an article regarding migration to the Canary Islands, examining the successful response to the humanitarian crisis. Spain applied the 2006-2008 Africa Plan, which consisted of diplomacy in many countries in West Africa through creating joint socioeconomic programs, youth training centers, lowering barriers to seasonal job migration, helping establish better security in regulating migratory flow, and spreading awareness of the dangers of migrating through the sea. As a result of these programs, migration waned until recently. Today, part of the huge spike in migrant casualties is the result of Italy, Greece, and other frontline countries creating stricter enforcement of migration, even for asylum seekers. This has led to the more dangerous route through the Atlantic becoming migrants’ best bet.

The response to today’s influx of migration is similar to the 2006-2008 Africa Plan. Efforts have been made by Spain, the EU, and Western African countries to address the issue. Spain and the EU have invested 210 million euros in Mauritania to help curb smugglers and prevent boats from leaving the coast. In addition, economic development projects have been promised, such as green hydrogen production, which will bring local jobs to the economy. Ensuring institutions are not corrupt and that the resources given are going to necessary avenues for development and migration-specific organizations is essential. Furthermore, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Gambia, Mauritania, and Senegal to sign agreements to curb illegal smuggling and encourage migration in the form of circular migration programs—training programs that lead to temporary work permits. Under the request of the Senegal government to help save lives, the European Commission designated €30 million to discourage people in Senegal from traveling to Europe. According to the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, with the fund, Senegalese authorities intend to strengthen their capacity to assist vulnerable people and deter human trafficking and smuggling.

In addition to receiving aid, Spain has also been taking charge in creating laws helping these migrants while also recognizing the good they can provide to Spain’s economy. Migrants partake in essential labor that most Spanish citizens do not want to do, such as being delivery drivers, caretakers, farmers, etc. According to Reuters, Spain is legalizing 300,000 undocumented immigrants every year for the next three years. The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz, stated that Spain needs to add these additional foreign workers in order to sustain their welfare state. More directly addressing the recent influx in the Canary Islands, a draft law has been created that would “regularize the status of all people who arrived in Spain irregularly before 2024 and significantly shorten the administrative deadlines for the temporary regularization of people whose asylum applications had previously been rejected.” These new laws allow for the migrants that have already arrived with grace, showcase the need for migrants, and highlight the urgency of the situation.

An important aspect of migration from West Africa is the smugglers who are in charge of the operation. According to the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime, criminals make around $150 million a year on this route. Lieutenant Antonio Fuentes, part of Spain’s Guardia Civil, stated “For them, a migrant is a mere commodity. They carry people like they could carry drugs or weapons. They are simply victims.” The Prime Minister signed agreements with Mauritania and Gambia requesting that those who have arrived illegally return to their country in order to “send a clear and strong message of deterrence to the mafias and those who put themselves in their hands.” After risking their lives and spending most of their money to get there, going back does not seem like an option. This also begs the question of how they would return. Furthermore, the cartel has already received payment from them and will continue to service more migrants if enforcement does not improve. As a result, Spain is attempting to make legal migration easier while stopping irregular migrants from arriving. Spain insists on Frontex, the EU’s border agency, working with Western African countries to patrol and catch migrant boats before they can reach the coast. Ultimately, the demand for illegal migration needs to be addressed.

West African countries that are facing mass emigration must actively take part in addressing their domestic issues that are causing such an exodus. Putting an end to years of conflict can facilitate this, as well as to provide their citizens with opportunities that can compete with Europe. Receiving countries must act quickly to ensure legal pathways that are fair and respectful to migrants fleeing or seeking a better life. There is no need to treat migrants’ lives as expendable. By enabling migrants to take such treacherous routes, countries should be held accountable for addressing these inhumane situations. An additional problem for many locals is tackling the fear of increased migration. Awareness of the benefits and letting go of certain stereotypes can help make this possible. There are many benefits from accepting immigrants economically, like filling demands for jobs, increasing innovation and talent, helping solve the aging population issue, and increasing economic growth. Although there might be social fears of letting in people with different cultures, ideas, and ways of life, it is important to understand that many human needs and fears are universal. We should celebrate these differences. We have to address the false pretenses that immigration will bring violence, take away from the welfare state, and cause problems.

 According to Mendoza, the coordinator of the Corazon Naranja group of Civil Protection volunteers in El Hierro, island residents “will be giving everything to help [migrants].” So, as the island residents receive migrants with open arms, the EU and Western Africa must seek humane migrant policies and development to ensure a better future for both migrants and citizens in Europe and West Africa.