Canary Islands President Praises Open Arms' Work

Fernando Clavijo highlights the “immense humanitarian effort” of the NGO

The Government of the Canary Islands and Open Arms have signed a collaboration agreement that will allow the NGO to operate in the archipelago’s waters for at least two months. The aim, according to director Óscar Camps, is to “help make visible and raise awareness of the ‘Atlantic route’ of migration.” The agreement was presented aboard Open Arms’ vessel docked in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with criticism from Vox looming in the background.

Activities Planned Under the Agreement

• Open‑house days:
  • 1 – 7 October in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  • 9 – 15 October in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • 22 – 27 October in Arrecife
• School talks and visits from educational centres.

Statements from Fernando Clavijo

“The NGO’s immense humanitarian work earned it the Canary Islands Gold Medal, and now, through this pact, it will help make the reality of the ‘Atlantic route’ visible.”

Clavijo stressed that Open Arms shows “the other side of migration,” not the version treated as a “political weapon” or reduced to “cold Excel numbers.” He highlighted the personal stories of people rescued in precarious conditions and at great risk to the rescuers themselves.

“We welcome them with open arms and hope their presence on the islands will continue to raise consciousness and put an end to the absurd debate that has taken hold in Spain and Europe about using migration as a fascist, xenophobic, and populist political tool.”

He called for “common sense” to prevail, reminding that migration involves “people—children, mothers, fathers, siblings—who simply seek a better future for themselves and their families.”

Remarks from Óscar Camps

Camps thanked the Canary Islands government for allowing Open Arms to broaden its perspective beyond the central Mediterranean, noting that the Canary route is “much harsher, longer, and far less known” and has claimed “many lives.”

He clarified that the NGO does not aim to replace maritime rescue services, which “do their job,” but rather to “bring and contribute more knowledge” about the realities of these migration routes and to sensitize the public.

“There is a growing racist and xenophobic discourse that unfortunately takes hold in some quarters; our organization stands as a counter‑balance.”

Camps added that the agreement can be expanded or reduced according to emerging needs and emergencies, and emphasized that, as a rescue organization, Open Arms will remain available to anyone who requires assistance.

Open Arms Milestones

• 10 years on 16 September since Óscar and Gerard Camps first went to Lesbos to aid migrants in unsafe boats.
• Over 73,000 people rescued at sea, including more than 8,000 aboard the current vessel.
• Beyond the central Mediterranean, the NGO has opened humanitarian corridors in Gaza and participated in logistical and food‑aid missions during the Ukraine war, in partnership with World Central Kitchen.