1.2.4 – Deportations from educational institutions, healthcare or care facilities procedure itself, and may require translation. If the persons concerned are not able to communicate, their anxieties may be heightened, which can in turn lead to resistance. It must be possible for persons about to be deported to communicate with the responsible officers during the entire deportation procedure. The written information on the person’s rights and the schedule of the deportation cannot replace the service of an 47 interpreter . The National Agency received reports that persons were collected for deportation from schools and hospitals. In such facilities, it is important that the persons concerned feel safe, otherwise the facilities are unable to fulfil their essential purpose. Added to this, the threat of deportation from such facilities could mean that the persons concerned might avoid them out of fear of being deported. For these reasons, the responsible authorities in Berlin, MecklenburgWestern Pomerania and Thuringia generally do not conduct deportation procedures from such facilities. As a rule, deportations should not be carried out from hospitals, schools or daycare facilities. 1.2.8 – Luggage The National Agency observed many cases where persons awaiting deportation were apprehended outside of their accommodation and brought straight to the airport, with no opportunity to pack their luggage. The National Agency also observed the deportation of a family with children where nobody was responsible for the children's luggage, with the result that not even nappies or food had been packed for one of the children. The National Agency was repeatedly assured that the luggage would be forwarded. It therefore requested in its reports to receive confirmation of this once carried out. However, despite assurances by the authorities that such confirmation would be received, this only happened in one of the cases observed. To ensure a dignified return, the person concerned should at least be given the opportunity to pack 48 whatever personal belongings they need. Deportation procedures should not lead to the person concerned losing their personal belongings. Every person awaiting deportation must be given the opportunity – taking into account all relevant circumstances – to pack personal belongings. Steps must be taken to ensure, without exception, that the person being deported is dressed appropriately for the procedure and for the country of destination, and that identity documents, necessary medication, provisions for children, and any necessary medical aids (e.g. glasses) can be packed. One of the staff-members carrying out the deportation should be responsible for ensuring that luggage is also packed for children facing deportation. The National Agency observed a deportation during which a lady suffered from involuntary incontinence. The same woman was also not wearing any shoes during the procedure. Deporting people in clothing they have involuntarily urinated in is inhumane and degrading. 1.2.5 – Consideration for children and sick persons When deportations are to be carried out, special consideration must be given to the needs of children and sick persons, and suitable care should be provided. 1.2.6 – Information on the deportation procedure Written information on the deportation procedure and the rights of the persons concerned is rarely provided. However, such information could help to reduce the stress experienced and the potential for 46 resistance amongst deportees. Information on the deportation procedure must be provided to persons about to be deported – at the time of the collection – immediately, comprehensively, in writing and in a language they understand. This information leaflet should include the following:  The schedule of the deportation including flight times;  Information on luggage;  Rights during the deportation procedure. 1.2.7 – Communication during the entire deportation procedure During most of the deportation procedures observed by the National Agency, interpreters were only available at the airport, even though there had already been communication difficulties at earlier stages. It should be borne in mind that persons facing deportation may have a wide range of questions during the procedure, often concerning issues beyond the 47 See Chapter II. 1.7 – “Communication during the entire deportation procedure”. 48 Council of Europe, Twenty Guidelines on Forced Return, September 2005, Guideline no. 15, p. 44. 46 CPT/Inf (2003) margin no. 41. See also CPT/Inf (2016) 35, margin no. 17. Council of Europe, Twenty Guidelines on Forced Return, September 2005, Guideline no. 4, p. 18. 40