The African Bar Association (AfBA) has condemned the killing of about 23 African migrants crossing from Morocco to Spain through Melilla, a Spanish island.
In a statement on Thursday in Lagos, the President of AfBA, Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, described the killing as a crime against humanity.
The statement was signed by AfBA’s Director of Strategic Communication, Mr Douglas Ogbankwa.
Uwaifo called for stringent measures against those who caused the deaths.
He called on European Union and African stakeholders to urgently and adequately address the situation.
The migrants allegedly died during an attempt by about 2,000 people to enter Spain by climbing metal border fences surrounding Melilla.
Uwaifo said: “The African Bar Association condemns the unprovoked killing of dozens of African migrants while trying to make their way to Spain through the Morocco-Spain land border, and we term this action a crime against humanity.
“The AfBA restates that migrants, even if irregular, are entitled to be protected by International Humanitarian Law.
“The AfBA shall submit a formal petition against the Prime Minister of Morocco to the International Criminal Court, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, and other requisite multilateral institutions.”
Uwaifo called for justice in the matter.
