First "Reception" at Evros’, asylum information database (aida) [website], February 2015, <http://www.asylumineurope.org/sites/default/files/resources/eu-greece-ecre-evros.pdf>, last accessed 20 March 2018. 38 As per the time of publication (23 May 2018), the situation has largely remained unchanged, further aggravating due to the increase in Evros-based arrivals in 2018. 39 Danish Refugee Council (DRC), ‘Fundamental Rights and the EU Hotspot Approach’, Danish Refugee Council [website], October 2017, p.21, <http://www.statewatch.org/news/2017/nov/danish-refugeecouncil-fundamental-rights.pdf>, last accessed 20 March 2018. 40 Perhaps reflecting this trend, out of 5,424 asylum applications made in Greece throughout 2017 from asylum seekers found under administrative detention, top nationalities included citizens of Pakistan (3,247), Bangladesh (306), and Algeria (217). For more, see Greek Asylum Service (GAS), reply to a relevant request made by the Greek Council of Refugees on 3 January 2018 [online], February 2018, p.16, <http://asylo.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/AIDA-Report-2018.pdf>; Joint Agency Briefing Paper, ‘Transitioning to a Government run Refugee and Migrant Response in Greece: a Joint Ngo roadmap for more fair and humane policies’, reliefweb [website], December 2017, pp.5-6, <https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/greece_roadmap_oxfam_final.pdf>, last accessed 20 March 2018; European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), ‘Interview: Asylum procedure based on nationality rather than on merit – the situation of Pakistani asylum applicants under the EU Turkey Deal’, European Council on Refugees and Exiles [website], 8 December 2017, <https://www.ecre.org/interview-asylum-procedure-based-on-nationality-rather-than-on-merit-the-situation-of-pakistani-asylumapplicants-under-the-eu-turkey-deal/>, last accessed 20 March 2018. 41 Information acquired cumulatively through interviews with Caritas Hellas (13 December 2017), members of the Lesvos Municipality (12 December 2017), representatives of PIKPA (13 December 2017) and HIAS (14 December 2017) in Lesvos, and with UNHCR staff at the Kos Field Office (11 January 2018) and the staff of the Regional Asylum Office in Kos (12 January 2018). 42 Namely, in accordance with article 46 of L.4376/2016. For more on the grounds of detention and the deficiencies in their practical implementation, see Greek Council for Refugees, ‘Country Report: Greece’, asylum information database (aida) [website], March 2018 update, pp.148-153, <http://www.asylumineurope.org/reports/country/greece>, last accessed 30 March 2018. 43 In January 2018 this “pilot project” allegedly ended. However, this seemingly pertained solely to its justification, as the practice, as such, has reportedly remained very much ongoing. Leete, L., ‘January 2018 Report on Rights Violations and Resistance in Lesvos’, Legal Center Lesvos [website], 10 February 2018, <http://www.legalcentrelesbos.org/2018/02/10/january-2018-report-on-rights-violations-andresistance-in-lesvos/>, last accessed 20 March 2018. 44 Also see Amnesty International, ‘Amnesty International Report 2017/18: The State of the World's Human Rights’, Amnesty International [website], 22 February 2018, <https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/POL1067002018ENGLISH.PDF>, last accessed 20 March 2018. 45 Interview with PIKPA representative, in Lesvos, and UNHCR staff at Kos Field Office on 13 December 2017, and 11 January 2018, respectively. 46 Interview with PIKPA representative, in Lesvos, on 13 December 2017. 47 Also see Thomas-Davis, M., ‘On Lesvos, police violence crushes refugees' peaceful resistance: justice for the Moria 35’, openDemocracy, 15 January 2018, <https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europemake-it/maya-thomas-davis/on-lesvos-police-violence-crushes-refugees-resistance-justice-f>, last accessed 21 March 2018. 48 UN High Commissioner for Refugees, ‘Convention Relating and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees’, UNHCR [website], December 2010, <http://www.unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10.pdf>, last accessed 26 March 2018. 49 Since its date of operationalization, in March-April 2017, and up to the time of our visit, the Center had housed 772 persons, of whom 467 where nationals of Pakistan, 118 of Iraq, 56 of Syria, and the rest of other, mostly African, nationalities. Information acquired through interview with police representative at the Pre-Removal Center at Pyli, in Kos, on 10 January 2018. 50 In itself, not an accomplishment, as overall detention conditions in Greece have consistently been characterized as inhumane and degrading, not least by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Indicatively, see Council of Europe: Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), op.cit., p.14. 51 See European Parliament: Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, 22