FORGOTTEN Administratively detained irregular migrants and asylum seekers Detailed Observations According to our findings based on the conversation we had with the detainees: In some containers the equipment is not functioning properly (air-condition, hot water, toilet). There is insufficient provision of items for personal hygiene. Although there are washing machines, they are not used. Food is insufficient and of low nutritional value. There is no provision of clothes and shoes from the authorities. Sometimes these are provided by the Church. Yard time is sufficient, as detainees can get out of the container whenever they like. In every detention section there is a container used as a recreational area, where there is a TV set and chairs. Also, in every detention section there is a container used as a worship area. Outside of the fenced area of each detention section, there is a container supposed to be used as visiting area. However, these containers are not used for any visits. In fact, the visitors are able to see the detainees at each detention section fence. Mobile phones are not allowed and detainees use card phones if they can afford them. At the detention center there is one doctor and nurses from the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the medical personnel is not present every day. Moreover, there is no full coverage in medicines. Also, there are no interpretation services to facilitate the communication between the medical personnel and the detainees. There is no preventive medical examination upon admission, while a doctor visits the detention areas only in very urgent cases. There were reports about difficulties in accessing medical care. In the aforementioned center with the material conditions described above, there are detainees facing serious health problems. It is obvious that their stay at the detention center not only poses difficulties in their treatment but may also cause a deterioration of their health condition. Regarding detainees’ information about their rights, there is an announcement posted at the Police Officers’ area but not at the detention areas resulting in lack of adequate information. At the same time, there are no interpreters in order to facilitate communication between the police staff and the detainees regarding their legal status. 22