Material base and living conditions The living conditions at the SHTAF - Lyubimets are much better as compared to those at the SHTAF - Sofia. NPM found congestion and poor hygiene in the bedrooms and the sanitary premises of the individuals accommodated (mainly at SHTAF - Sofia), as well as lack of private space, especially for families with children. The food-related organisation in both homes is different - at SHTAF - Sofia, it is provided by catering company, and at SHTAF - Lyubimets, it is prepared on site. During the inspection the NPM team found broken tables and chairs at SHTAF - Sofia, as well as leakages and mould in the canteen at SHTAF - Lyubimets. Complaints were made by the accommodated foreigners during the interviews regarding the quality and quantity of the food served, as well as the lack of respect for their religious beliefs . The possibility to exercise the religion of those accommodated is provided through the separation of prayer premises for Muslims and Christians at SHTAF - Sofia. At SHTAF Lyubimets these are located in the administrative sector, which makes their use rather difficult and forces the individuals accommodated there to pray in the sleeping premises. The places adjusted for watching television are in poor condition (peeling stucco, broken chairs) and need repair. There are football, basketball and volleyball fields in the yards of the homes. NPM is of the opinion that despite the efforts of the management of the homes to provide conditions for recreation, sports and cultural activities, the accommodated foreigners should be engaged additionally, as they are not doing anything during most of the day. Protection of vulnerable groups - women, children, unaccompanied minors and under aged youths The inspection team is concerned by the fact that children and pregnant women are still placed in SHTAF. NPM is of the opinion that detaining children at closed-type centres should be resorted to as a last measure and should be done over the shortest period of time (this is particularly valid for unaccompanied minors and under aged youths). The fact that some of them have suffered the horror of the war, they have witnessed the killing of their relatives, were victims to violence and abuse, malnutrition, have lived through the separation with their families, have been forced to leave school, should be taken into account. The officers working with them (interviewers, health and social workers) should have additional expertise and specialised skills. Children accommodated in closed centres should have playgrounds and various activities should be available to them. No such are currently available at the SHTAF in Sofia and in Lyubimets. The prolonged stay in the centres, the separation of the child from home and the impossibility to have access to education may influence the physical, intellectual, cultural and social development, which yet again brings to the foreground the need to create open-type centres for this vulnerable group. The possibility to use alternatives to detention should also be considered for pregnant women, the condition of whom requires constant doctor monitoring and very good living conditions. 13