2. Evros in the context of Greek and European Migration Policy (2010-2011) 9 of its national Action Plan stating among others, that in the region legal aid is provided and that there has been a decrease in the numbers of detainees in Evros detention centers. We documented that the legal counseling of the few NGOlawyers in the area is provided temporarily. It is limited to the group of asylum seekers. It is not sufficient to cover the needs of all detainees while it is anyway not possible to provide legal aid under these detention conditions. Furthermore, the decrease of the numbers of detainees in the detention cells in Evros area resulted from the numerous transfers of detainees to other detention centers in other regions (outside of Evros), where the detention conditions are no better and basic rights are denied as well. In most of these other detention centers there is not even a doctor or any other member of an NGO or local support group ever visiting or having access. Often detainees do not have access to the outside world to contact a third person and ask for help. We have also noticed that during these transfers into detention centers of other prefectures family members are often separated, without providing them with any information about their relatives’ whereabouts, thus, making it extremely difficult to reunite with each other later if not readmitted. During our last mission in October 2011 and within one week, we have noticed a renovation process going on in the four detention centers of Evros (Fylakio, Tychero, Soufli, Feres). The cells were painted, toilet bowls and showers were replaced, new, clean blankets were given. In the border guard stations of Alexandroupolis, we have noticed the transfer of detainees to other detention centers in other regions of Northern Greece. In Fylakio (Orestiada) people were being released, even asylum seekers, who had not stayed for the maximum period of detention prescribed by law. A week after our departure from Evros, a delegation from the European Commission visited the detention centres in Evros.25 Mr Papoutsis was planned to be with them, but finally could not join. The day the delegation visited Fylakio, detainees were allowed for the first time to go out in the yard. Even a weekly meal planner was posted on the walls in the detention centre.26 25 http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_ 04/11/2011_413364 26 In a recent article concerning the public release of the Federation of the borderguars of Evros the sudden »lifting« of the detention centres for the eyes of a delegation of the European Commission was explained in detail. In Tyhero men, women and children are held all together The Federation of the Borderguards of Evros said in a recent press release that all renovations are of course welcome, anyway, they insisted, that the Commission should have seen the detention centres under »normal« conditions, the ones the border guards and the detainees have to deal with daily. The announcement of the border guards said: »Very suddenly money was found (for the renovation) and the number of detainees decreased. Within three days the facilities were painted, the plumbing was repaired and release papers were given generously. Why did they not leave things as we live them on daily basis?«27 While the cells of Tychero were painted a detainee told us: »The detention conditions here are horrible! Don’t look at the white walls that they freshly painted. You have to look beneath the white colour!«28 http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct= 1&artid=115631 27 Announcement of the Federation of Borderguards of Evros 19 th of October 2011: http://www.posyfy.gr/pdfs/evros_ eikoniki_pragmatikotita.pdf 28 H.M. from Iran; October 13, 2011 – Tychero