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such detainees, including those who do not have their own lawyers. To this end, the
Subcommittee recommends that appropriate legal aid be provided for all those who
need it. The Subcommittee also recommends that thought be given to having
immigration officers based at the centre in order to ensure the effective provision of
timely and accurate information concerning immigration status determinations and
related processes.
61.
The Subcommittee is concerned about the difficulties faced by undocumented
migrants in detention in communicating with the outside world, their family, friends and
their countries of origin. It should be recalled that most have no visitors, which, given the
prolonged periods of detention, can negatively affect their mental health.
62.
The Subcommittee recommends that the State party ensure that undocumented
migrants in detention have regular contact with the outside world, especially their
family and friends, through appropriate means of audio and video communication. In
addition, the State party should make meaningful Internet access available to them.
63.
The Subcommittee is concerned that complaints mechanisms are limited to
complaints boxes located in areas that are not easily accessible by the detainees, such as in
the administrative parts of the centre, and that the authorities responsible for opening the
boxes and processing the complaints are not clearly identified.
64.
The Subcommittee recommends that the State party ensure that all
undocumented migrants in detention are notified of their right to submit confidential
complaints and to do so without fear of reprisal or the threats of reprisal. Complaints
should be promptly considered and a response communicated to the complainant.
65.
The Subcommittee notes with concern the excessive amount of medication provided
to undocumented migrants, as well as the unclear nature of the procedures applied for
prescribing such medication. During its visit, the Subcommittee was particularly concerned
that where the authorities within the centre suspected that behaviours might be attributable
to mental health problems, the police sought involuntary treatment orders (normally for 15
days) from the court, on the basis of which detainees could be taken to a psychiatric
hospital for treatment. Such transfers were conducted by the police in police vehicles, with
the detainee restrained. Police officers appeared not to have received any specific training
regarding detainees with mental disorders. Only upon arrival at the hospital would a
detainee receive a proper medical examination. The Subcommittee also noted with concern
that migrants awaiting deportation did not undergo a medical examination prior to their
deportation.
66.
The Committee recommends that the State party establish clear protocols for
the prescription of medication in the detention centre. Such protocols should refer to
international pharmacological standards and informed consent should be obtained
from the undocumented migrants for any such treatment. Migrants with symptoms of
serious mental concerns should first be evaluated by appropriate medical specialists.
Any involuntary placement or treatment order should only be made or given after a
court hearing, at which the person concerned should appear.
4.
Centres for unaccompanied minors
67.
The Subcommittee visited two institutions for unaccompanied minors aged between
12 and 18 years, one for girls and one for boys. The unaccompanied minors interviewed
were unaware of their rights, of the services available to them and, most importantly, of
their legal situation. The Subcommittee is concerned about the lack of information provided
not only to the unaccompanied minors, but also to the staff working in the facilities. For the
minors, that lack of information creates a sense of isolation and abandonment; for the staff,
it prevents them from supporting each minor according to his or her needs.
68.
The Subcommittee recommends that the State party provide unaccompanied
minors with a guardian to keep them informed of their legal situation and to
effectively protect their interests. The State party should also equip the facilities with
adequate means for the minors to communicate with the outside world, their families
and their legal counsel, including a free Wi-Fi system and computers. In addition, the
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