inhuman or degrading treatment.181 Greek authorities detain unaccompanied children in all of these facilities. Take the example of facilities within the port premises used by the port police in Patras. We were told that until an earthquake in early June 2008, port police detained migrants, including unaccompanied children, in overcrowded detention cells where sewage leaked into rooms. One adult who had been held in such conditions had a visible open and infected wound on his leg following his detention for 11 days.182 Although we were told that port police in Patras tend to detain unaccompanied children for shorter periods than adults, Daoud A. explained to us: “Inside the jail there is no rule. Sometimes the young boys stay longer, sometimes not. You never know when you will get out.”183 Since the earthquake the port police detain migrants, including unaccompanied children, in an empty metal container.184 Greek law requires the separation of adults from children in detention.185 The Amygdaleza detention center was opened in April 2008 as a special facility for unaccompanied boys. In all other detention centers, however, boys are rarely separated from men in detention and girls are never separated from women in detention. Boys in the Mitilini detention center are separated from men if their number does not exceed available space. In the Kyprinou detention facility in Fylakio, only the sleeping compartments for boys are separated from those for men, but they share a common courtyard. None of the other detention centers, including the brandnew center on Samos Island has separate sleeping compartments for underage boys or girls. 181 Human Rights Watch found evidence of overcrowding, very dirty facilities, poor sanitation, lack of personal hygiene, lack of access to fresh air, and police brutality. For a full discussion of detention conditions for migrants and asylum-seekers in Greece, see Human Rights Watch, Greece – Stuck in a Revolving Door, pp. 68-85. 182 Human Rights Watch interview with Khudai N., Patras, June 7, 2008. 183 Human Rights Watch interview with Daoud A., Patras, June 7, 2008. 184 Human Rights Watch has pictures of the inside of the container on file. A video from inside the container was posted on YouTube, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69t7Zcfl5t4 (accessed October 10, 2008). 185 Presidential Decree 141/1991, “Competencies and internal regulations of the personnel of the Ministry of Public Order,” art. 67, para. 3: “Military personnel, police officers, women and minors shall be detained in special detention places.” (unofficial translation) Left to Survive 60