Based on these factors, it becomes evident that, at its core, this is an initial step aimed at not only identifying who is inside the country’s territory (national security aspect), but primarily at ensuring that all persons who so wish to request international protection can do so effectively and in an equal-for-all manner (protection of persons fleeing persecution, and especially those in need of more specialized treatment). That being said, element g pertains to persons in principle not wishing to apply for asylum, and therefore was not examined as part of the current research. Element f, on the other hand, is implemented by the book upon newcomers’ arrival to the RICs which, as highlighted in previous sections, is marked by significant delays and arbitrariness. In terms of the remainder of elements a to e, throughout the research only those related to the security aspects of reception (i.e. identification and registration of personal data) were consistently performed in a timely manner (average of 2-3 days following arrival), with elements c to e (vulnerability screening and information) remaining highly problematic, despite some relative improvements on the matter. Registration Considering how prior to March 2016 many newcomers would leave the islands without being registered, –let alone assessed for potential vulnerabilities– this aspect of reception has since been the most consistently improved and upheld. Thus, to GCR’s knowledge, as a rule following the Statement’s implementation and upon arrival at the RICs (islands and Evros), newcomers have systematically been registered within periods not usually exceeding 2-3 days.71 Despite this, it needs to be pointed that, at least, at the Moria RIC, in Lesvos, the conditions under which newcomers were registered during our visit were in themselves verging towards the limit of degradation. Within the Moria RIC’s internal fenced section, which is reserved for the registration, identification, fingerprinting and medical assessment of newcomers and residents alike, the small area reserved as a waiting zone for those waiting to undergo data verification procedures (conducted by Frontex), was more reminiscent of a paddock (short bars all around), rather than a dignified space for the initial reception of persons just previously rescued at sea. Perhaps, this was ultimately the reason why just outside the office/container, where identification was conducted, there was a “no pictures allowed” sign hanging by the door. Provision of Information Throughout 2016-2017, the provision of information to newcomers similarly became a consolidated practice of the Greek system of reception –in itself a marked improvement, considering the critical gaps characteristic of the immediate post-Statement period.72 25