FORGOTTEN Administratively detained irregular migrants and asylum seekers visit, 220 had been detained thereto. On our next visit on 8/7/2016, there were 110 detainees. We were not allowed full access to the areas of detention. However, we had the opportunity to see the cells from the corridor and to get a sufficient idea of the conditions. The main problems of the detention center are the lack of outdoor space for exercise and the insufficient heating. Also, the detainees are subjected to body search upon admission that goes beyond what is absolutely necessary, resorting to violation of the detainees’ dignity. Detailed findings The procedure followed upon admission of the detainees is problematic, since according to their accounts, during body search, they are ordered to take off all their clothes and underwear, which exceeds the necessary actions and is offensive for their dignity. The detention area consists of 9 cells of about 50 square meters each, with 10-14 detainees per cell. There are no beds. The detainees sleep on mattresses on the floor. One of the biggest problems is the lack of outdoor space for exercise. The detainees are obliged to remain in their cells 24 hours a day. There are two toilets in each cell, but quite often only one of them is functioning and there is also one shower. Hot water is available only for two hours in the morning. There are air-conditioning devices in the cells but some are not functioning. The heating is not sufficient, a fact that was obvious during our visit. The detainees clean their cells with cleaning materials that they buy at their own expenses. There is no special worship area. Clothing, shoes, or items for personal hygiene are not provided. Regarding food, detainees get 5,87 euro per day. With this money, they buy breakfast (from the police canteen), one meal (from a catering company) as well as items for personal hygiene, cleaning materials and phone-cards (from the police canteen). Although the prices of the police canteen are very low and the deal with the catering company is good (as a quite satisfactory meal costs 2,50 euro), it is obvious that, even with these arrangements, the detainees’ nutrition is insufficient. 31

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents