FORGOTTEN Administratively detained irregular migrants and asylum seekers Pre – removal detention Center of Xanthi General Findings On March 8, 2016, we visited the Pre-removal Detention Center of Xanthi. The total number of detainees during our visit was 160 persons, while the capacity of the facility is 480 persons. We were not allowed access to the detention areas and therefore, we could not form our own opinion on the detention conditions. Overall, it seems that the conditions are satisfactory and good practices regarding recreation of the detainees are also observed. Detailed findings The size of each room is 23 square meters and it accommodates up to 8 detainees. Each room is also equipped with a TV, a refrigerator and an air-conditioner. There are worship areas. Detainees have free access to the outdoor space all day long. They are provided with recreational activities indoors (table games, puzzles, painting) and outdoors (billiard, sport activities). There is free access to sanitary facilities. However, some detainees reported that the toilets are dirty and hot water supply is inadequate. Items for personal hygiene are given upon admission but there is no provision for clothing and shoes. Regarding food, detainees are offered 3 meals per day. However, the food is of inadequate quantity and of poor quality and nutritional value. Detainees also reported that the menu is not adapted to their dietary habits, so quite often they don’t eat the food. In relation to medical care, there is no doctor at the center and, if needed, the detainees are taken to the hospital. As we were informed by the commander of the center, the Police staff has followed a good practice in order to fill the gap caused by the lack of a doctor: upon admission, there is a screening process for the identification of persons with health problems, who are then referred to the hospital, while a medical file is maintained for every detainee. However, no proper medical screening takes place upon admission because of the lack of a doctor. Under these circumstances, we consider the medical care as inadequate. 27

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