End the use of detention for people on the move on grounds of public order and national
security.
End the use of detention for third country nationals in cases where there is no reasonable
prospect of removal thus complying with EU Directive 2008/115/EC. A reasonable prospect
of removal is only achieved when there is a high possibility of an individual being
readmitted to their country of origin or a safe third country.
End the use of detention for minors, and ensure that unharmful yet scientifically verified
age assessment procedures are carried out upon arrival by medically trained and
independent bodies.
Establish adequate access to free legal aid for all people on the move in detention to
challenge the legality of their detention decisions.
Establish an independent detention monitoring mechanism, that is both well-funded and
free from government influence and has the direct involvement of civil society
organisations, with the mandate to independently investigate allegations of human rights
violations, and publish regular findings in full for public access. The mechanism should
prioritise transparent reporting and follow up, through an anonymous complaints
procedure and the possibility for unannounced visits.
Ensure adequate and timely access to health care for people on the move in detention,
including psychological health care and effective translation services.
Ensure that people on the move in detention have regular and free access to hygiene items
and cleaning products, and guarantee that detention facilities, including all furniture,
bedding and mattresses, are in a condition that ensures alignment with the standards
required for dignified living and international human rights.
Recommendations to the EU Commission:
To commence the non-disbursement of funds to the Greek state until an independent
inquiry establishes that detention practices are in accordance with the European Charter of
Fundamental Rights, and that detention is being used solely as a last resort in migrationrelated cases.
→ By independent inquiry we refer to a process that is transparent, whereby the
actors leading the investigation are separated from state actors, civil society
organisations also have the opportunity to give input, and the methodology,
procedures and findings are made publicly available in full.
Recommendations for the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture
and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment:
The Committee must consider setting forward the procedure provided for in Article 10,
paragraph 2 of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment due to the ongoing and well documented failure by
the Greek State to make any progress towards implementing previous CPT
recommendations on detention conditions.
The Committee must consider implementing a country visit to Greece, paying particular
attention to PRDCs considering that some facilities have not been visited for more than five
years.
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