In just the first four months of the year, the number of migrants arriving in Spain totalled around 20,000, up 190%, including 1,500 children.
The estimates come from Save The Children.
The the most heavily used route is the Canary Isles, used by 80% of migrants.
The winter saw little decrease in numbers, raising fears for the summer.
The charity said that the increase in arrivals is down to political and economic instability, hunger, and the escalating climate crisis. All these factors are driving an increase in migration worldwide.
The UN reckons 20 million people are forced to flee their homes annually due to extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, torrential rains, and desertification.
Bárbara González del Río, Migration Specialist at Save the Children Spain, said: “If over 1,500 migrant children have already arrived in Spain this year, we anticipate a significant increase in crossings during the summer months, potentially surpassing last year’s record influx of over 5,100 minors. As long as there is a need in the countries of origin, people will continue to move, and the migratory flow towards Europe will continue to exist.
“With over 5,700 migrant children already under guardianship in the Canary Islands, support systems are overwhelmed. Urgent action is needed from other communities to alleviate this critical situation. The Spanish government and autonomous communities must swiftly find solutions.
“We cannot forget that these children are fleeing conflict, hostile environments, and hunger. Our obligation to the children who arrive in our country is to care for them in a way that is adapted to their needs and to ensure that their rights are guaranteed.”
Save the Children is asking the Spnaish government oto prioritise the protection and reception of migrant children by:
- swiftly identifying vulnerable individuals, such as potential trafficking victim;
- ensuring unaccompanied minors are evenly disrupted between different communities to avoid overwhelming support systems;
- scaling up support systems for unaccompanied migrants to ensure their successful integration into society.
Save the Children Spain works with other organisations and local administrations to meet the specific needs of migrant children.