Spain Becomes Europe’s Second Leading Asylum Destination in 2024

Spain has emerged as the second-ranking European country for asylum requests in 2024, receiving a remarkable 167,000 applications, according to recent reports. This represents a surge in Spain’s role as a refuge, although only about 20% of these requests have been approved so far this year.

The evolving asylum landscape echoes Spain’s historical experience as a haven for those fleeing persecution. During the dictatorship which ended in 1975, approximately half a million Spaniards sought exile, escaping repression and hunger. Today, the country continues to offer refuge, as exemplified by individuals like Abdoulaye Traoré, who fled violence and slavery in Mali in 2021. Traoré’s arduous journey included a perilous sea crossing to the Canary Islands before settling in Antequera, Málaga, where he is actively engaged with the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR).

Julia Hidalgo’s story adds historical perspective; having escaped political persecution in Francoist Spain, she symbolizes the long-standing pursuit of safety that both past and present refugees share. Both she and Traoré emphasize the vital need for solidarity and highlight ongoing challenges such as racism and discrimination that refugees face.

Mauricio Valiente, director of CEAR, calls for collective remembrance of those displaced due to human rights violations and advocates for a more inclusive society. The shared narratives of refuge, hope, and the struggle for dignity connect historical experiences to present-day challenges, spotlighting Spain’s critical humanitarian role within Europe.