The Spain-Morocco framework concerns Moroccan unaccompanied minors in Spain, meaning any discussion about returns potentially affects children being looked after in different parts of the country. Morocco says it is prepared to receive its minorsMorocco has previously stated that it is willing to take back the unaccompanied minors from European countries, including Spain. Spanish authorities have to examine each case and establish whether returning the child would comply with the legal safeguards governing unaccompanied minors. Spain cannot simply send children backThe legal issue became particularly clear after the Supreme Court examined the mass return of Moroccan minors from Ceuta in August 2021. The Spanish government has identified more than 1,300 unaccompanied minors in Ceuta following the recent arrivals, putting additional pressure on accommodation and child-protection services.