Investigating human rights
take measures to eliminate the pest infestation until the adolescents contacted
outside third parties.
A review of the allocation centre in Ossiach showed no evidence that it
was unsuitable. In other proceedings, the AOB is currently observing the
implementation of structural improvements.
As announced in 2015, follow-up visits were made to the Federal Support
Facility East in February and April 2016. The living conditions had improved
significantly. Nevertheless, the commission observed some deficiencies:
inadequate hygiene in the sanitary areas, a lack of information on individual
topics and unequal access to the wireless network and to kitchenettes. The
AOB also complained about the crowded living conditions, the lack of privacy
and the fact that unaccompanied minor refugees were denied access to the socalled “waiting tent” on the grounds of Federal Support Facility East.
Deficiencies at Federal
Support Facility East
For the first time the AOB was also confronted with interference with the
activities of an NPM commission. The delegation had a long wait until it
was admitted to the Federal Support Facility East, and employees did not
answer questions. The Federal Ministry of the Interior immediately undertook
measures to sensitise staff.
Commission activities
impeded
However, the AOB’s continued monitoring also brought along improvements:
asylum seekers now have the option of accompanied visits to physicians
outside of the support facility. It was furthermore clarified that under-age
unaccompanied minor refugees may leave the Federal Support Facility East in
the company of asylum seekers who take care of these children.
Providing suitable housing and care to unaccompanied minor refugees is very
important in the view of the AOB. For this reason, the commission visited the
Special Care Facility South in Reichenau in October 2015. The commission
found that no care personnel were on duty during the night in this facility
designed for 70 adolescents. The AOB also saw the lack of accompaniment
for minors during visits to the physician and deficiencies in furnishings as
problematical. The AOB suggested that medical care be provided at the facility
and that books be purchased in the languages of the children at the facility. It
requested that the Federal Ministry of the Interior ensured that the tasks of the
care team be clearly communicated. Encouragingly, the Ministry promised to
provide a night care team, and it improved the furnishings.
59
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