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.
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: 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.
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
Cultural Reflection: Explore the historical roots of Kenya’s mysterious night runners in Night Running in Africa: Tribal Art, Witchcraft, or Sadism .
Explore More: This story is part of our African Truth & Justice Hub featuring stories of resistance and human dignity.
