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Volunteer Mourners in Migrant Cemeteries

Remember those lost at sea, the work of compassionate volunteer mourners in the Canary Islands provide dignified burials for unidentified migrants missing at sea.

Volunteer Mourners in Migrant Cemeteries

The Human Cost of Migration in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, have become a tragic focal point in the migrant crisis. Thousands of migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing in search of a better life in Europe have lost their lives. Many of these individuals, often unidentified, find their final resting place in migrant cemeteries across the islands. This article explores the vital work of volunteer mourners who strive to provide dignity and respect to these lost souls.

The Role of Volunteer Mourners: Providing Dignity in Death

Volunteer groups in the Canary Islands play a crucial role in ensuring respectful burials for migrants who have died at sea. Working in collaboration with local authorities and organizations, these volunteers perform essential tasks:

Washing and Preparing Bodies: Volunteers carefully wash the bodies of the deceased, adhering to cultural and religious practices, such as providing Muslim burials for migrants from West Africa.

Traditional Burial Practices: They wrap the bodies in appropriate materials, respecting the traditions of the migrants' families and communities.

Honoring Humanity: Their overarching goal is to offer a dignified farewell, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of the deceased and ensuring their final resting places reflect their humanity.

Commemorating the Dead

Commemorating the Dead: Remembering Lost Lives

Beyond burials, volunteers and organizations work to:

Create Memorials: Establish proper markers and memorials in cemeteries to prevent the deceased from being forgotten.

Organize Remembrance Ceremonies: Hold ceremonies to honor those who perished during their journeys.

Identity Documentation: Collaborate with NGOs, forensic experts, and families to document names and identities whenever possible, aiding in the search for missing loved ones.

Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for improved migration policies to prevent future tragedies.


Challenges in Identifying Migrants

Several challenges hinder identification efforts:

Lack of Identification: Many migrants discard their IDs to avoid detection by authorities, making identification extremely difficult.

Limited Resources: Local communities often lack the financial resources to provide adequate burials for unidentified individuals, relying heavily on volunteer support.

Volunteer Mourners in Migrant Cemeteries

Migrant Cemeteries in the Canary Islands: Places of Remembrance

Several cemeteries in the Canary Islands serve as final resting places for migrants:

Cementerios De Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife): A dedicated cemetery for those lost at sea.

Cementerio Municipal de San Carlos (Puerto de la Cruz): Includes a section for migrant burials.

St. Louis Cemetery (San Cristóbal de La Laguna): Features a dedicated area for migrants.


Origins of Migrants Buried in the Canary Islands

While precise numbers are difficult to obtain due to the undocumented nature of many migrants, common countries of origin include:

Morocco

Senegal

Mali

The Gambia

Guinea

Cote d'Ivoire

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