CAT/OP/ITA/1 74. The SPT recommends that the State party: (a) take effective measures to ensure that migrants are not held in such facilities beyond the legally permitted 48 hours; (b) take particularly rigorous measures to ensure migrant children are not held in detention as it is never in the best interest of the child and constitutes a violation of the rights of the child; (c) ensure that arrangements in the reception facilities effectively protect women from sexual and gender based violence. 3. Second line of reception 75. The SPT visited one CARA (Centro di Accoglienza per Richiedenti Asilo – Accommodation Centre for Asylum Seekers) in Bari and four CIEs (Centro di identificazione ed espulsione – Identification and Expulsion Centre) in Rome, Turin, Trapani and Bari. Normally, a CIE should not be considered a reception centre, as its purpose serves the expulsion of migrants. However, the SPT found that a number of migrants had been transferred directly to a CIE upon disembarkation and that some individuals held in CIEs were in procedures to seek protection. For this reason, the CIEs will be considered under this section. CARA 76. As a starting point, the SPT was pleased to assess that the CARA it visited in Bari was not strictly speaking a place of deprivation of liberty, as asylum seekers were at their will to leave and shuttle services to Bari were at their disposal. The SPT found that there was a calm atmosphere at the CARA, despite the facility being crowded and at its full capacity of 1200 spaces. On average, people stayed approximately nine months until their asylum request was finally determined. Positive aspects included the availability of recreational spaces and activities, outdoor areas and places of worship. The SPT noted that the facility is located within a former military complex and that despite the relaxed environment, there was a high military presence, which it considered unnecessary and not adequate for the circumstances. The SPT recommends that Italy reconsiders the need for militarisation of CARAs. 77. The SPT noted with concern the physical conditions, in particular the inadequate toilet facilities. Some toilets were not functioning, another had no doors and in general they were unacceptably dirty. In addition, they were located approximately at least five minutes walking distance away from the living quarters. The living quarters housed four persons, which was cramped for the size of the rooms. 78. The SPT recommends the toilet facilities to be repaired and maintained regularly to meet a minimum level of adequacy. 79. The SPT noted positively that three meals of sufficient quality and quantity were provided, taking into consideration dietary requirements and offering an element of choice. Asylum seekers could also use kitchen facilities to cook their own meals. CIEs 80. The SPT notes with concern that a heavily militarised security structure was maintained in all CIEs, characterised by a high presence of four structures (Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri, National Police and the Army), as well as by the penitentiary-style organisation and methodology of surveillance and control, resembling a high security 14