RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations to the
Greek state:
Establish
an
independent
detention
monitoring mechanism, that is both wellfunded 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, in particular torture
and ill-treatment, 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.
To stop the use of violence, including with
weapons, and systematic violations of the
European Convention on Human Rights and the
Convention against Torture being perpetrated
by the Greek competent authorities against
people on the move in PRDCs, police stations
or other relevant places of detention.
Comply with international and national law,
including the European Convention of Human
Rights, the Convention against Torture and
others international standards on the treatment
of people on the move, and ensure compliance
with decisions issued by the European Court
of Human Rights.
Ensure that the deprivation of liberty or use
of detention of people on the move is only
used as a measure of last resort, and in line
with international and European human rights
standards.
Guarantee NGOs and civil society organisations
unconditional and open access to detention
centres, including PRDC’s, with the possibility
to provide medical care and distribute food
and non-food items inside.
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 consistent access to information in a
language that they understand regarding their
legal situation and 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.
To refer the matter of violence and torturous
practices in detention to the European Court of
Justice, as the evidence in this report indicates
that the violations perpetrated against people
on the move in detention are systematic and
widespread.
To take all necessary measures to ensure that
the EU Guidelines on Torture and Other Cruel
Treatment are upheld within the Greek state,
including by facilitating routine unannounced
visits from independent inquiry bodies.
To issue a public statement condoning the
use of violent and torturous practices against
people on the move in detention in Greece.
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 Convention due to the
ongoing and well documented failure by the
Greek State to make any progress towards
implementing previous CPT recommendations
on detention conditions.
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