Peruvian Group in Andorra Condemns EU Migrant Expulsions in Open Letter

The Peruvian Residents Association in the Principat d'Andorra (ARPPA), affiliated with the World Organisation of the Peruvian Community Abroad (OMCOPEX), has issued an open letter signed on 2 July 2026 by its president, Lorenzo Castillo, condemning European governments' policies of pursuing, detaining, and expelling migrants in irregular administrative situations.

The letter, addressed to European authorities, the Peruvian government, and the international community, expresses deep concern over mass expulsions, which ARPPA describes as failing to address migration's root causes—poverty, inequality, armed conflicts, and lack of opportunities. The group insists no human being is illegal, rejects portraying migrants as responsible for economic crises or threats to host nations, and emphasises their contributions to wealth creation and essential economic sectors, often under precarious, exploitative, and discriminatory conditions.

ARPPA denounces the use of racism, xenophobia, and chauvinism to divide workers between nationals and foreigners, arguing this promotes labour precarity, erodes rights, and concentrates wealth. It reminds Peruvian officials of their constitutional, moral, and political duty to protect citizens abroad, calling for stronger diplomatic and consular defence, international agreements safeguarding migrant rights, and firm opposition to any dignity-violating measures.

Specific demands include full human rights protection regardless of status, due process adherence, an end to arbitrary and collective expulsions, access to decent work, healthcare, education, housing, social protection, and justice, plus rejection of all racism-, xenophobia-, discrimination-, or hatred-based policies. The association urges trade unions, academic institutions, social and cultural organisations, human rights groups, and Peruvian communities abroad to unite in defending migrant dignity and viewing migration as a human reality, not a crime.

The Peruvian Consulate in Andorra has distanced itself from the statement, clarifying that it reflects solely ARPPA's and Castillo's views. Consulate officials described migration as a complex challenge requiring balanced responses within the rule of law and human rights frameworks, expressing full confidence in Andorran and Peruvian institutions to handle such matters under applicable legislation and international commitments.