UN Special Rapporteur Urges the Protection of Children’s Rights Amid Deepening Conflict and Digital Threats

Lourdes Reyzábal, a 53-year-old psychologist from Madrid, has spent three decades running the Fundación Raíces, an organization dedicated to helping over 5,000 children without family support, many of whom risked their lives to reach Spain. Reyzábal recently made headlines with her statement: “No one would pay a mafia to enter through a door that was already open.” The remark reflects her deep involvement in advocating for vulnerable minors and her criticism of systemic failures in protecting them. Reyzábal’s work began more than 30 years ago, when she founded the Fundación Raíces with the goal of providing care and legal assistance to children who had been abandoned or separated from their families. Over the years, the foundation has become a critical lifeline for thousands of children, particularly those fleeing conflict or poverty in other countries. Many of these children arrived in Spain under dangerous conditions, often hiding in vehicles or crossing borders illegally. In 2008, Reyzábal's husband, Nacho de la Mata, a prominent lawyer, secured two landmark rulings from Spain’s Constitutional Court. These decisions were pivotal in halting the practice of repatriating unaccompanied minors back to their home countries without proper consideration of their circumstances or connections to family members. De la Mata’s legal efforts helped ensure that children were not simply sent away without due process or protection. De la Mata passed away in 2012 after battling a brain tumor. His legacy continues through the human rights award given annually by the General Council of the Bar, which now bears his name. One of the children he helped was Anouar, who had entered Spain at age 13 hidden inside the undercarriage of a truck. Years later, Anouar returned to Reyzábal and De la Mata’s home to provide care during the latter’s final days, underscoring the deep bonds formed through their work. The Fundación Raíces operates in a complex environment shaped by shifting immigration policies and international pressures. Over the past decade, Spain has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its treatment of asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors. Reyzábal has consistently called for stronger protections and more humane approaches to dealing with vulnerable populations, emphasizing that many of these children arrive in Spain seeking safety rather than exploiting loopholes. Her recent comments highlight her frustration with how some policies appear to treat undocumented migration as a criminal issue rather than a humanitarian concern. She argues that the system should focus on offering support and legal pathways instead of enforcing punitive measures that can lead to further harm. Her remarks have sparked discussions among advocates and policymakers about the need for reform in how Spain handles immigration cases involving minors. Reyzábal’s influence extends beyond her direct work with children. She frequently collaborates with legal experts, social workers, and government officials to push for better policies. Her foundation has also partnered with international organizations to raise awareness about the plight of children living in precarious situations. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her mission, believing that every child deserves the chance to build a future free from fear and exploitation. As Spain continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration, figures like Reyzábal play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and policy. Her advocacy underscores the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with dignity and respect, ensuring that their voices are heard even when they lack formal status or legal representation. The ongoing debate around immigration reform will likely continue to involve perspectives like hers, as the country seeks to balance security concerns with ethical obligations toward those in need.