are very often told that they have been refused and this causes great discontent and sometimes trouble in the Centres. It has also been alleged that some detainees attempt suicide following the information regarding their refusal of asylum status. The Police are in charge of this procedure and this makes it more difficult since they do not normally know the detainees. The Board suggests a more humane way of giving out the results. It would make a big difference if detainees are told of their refusal of asylum status individually and privately and informed about the possibility of appeal explained. Besides, it would be ideal if not all the detainees are told of their refusal on the same day. Staggering this event will mitigate the upheaval caused in the Centres when all the detainees are given the result of refusal on the same day. The Board welcomes the plan to employ social workers to do this task and to help detainees whenever it is needed. Other issues The Board would like to see the setting up of Heavy duty telephones which would save having to issue telephone cards which do not always satisfy the needs of the detainees to contact their family members abroad. Unfortunately lack of funds have rendered this impossible. The Board would also like to see the setting up of a computer room, equipped with a number of computers and monitored by detention staff. This would also satisfy the needs of certain detainees who are highly educated and who would appreciate spending time doing something more worthwhile.??? Another issue is the change of caterer. The Board has been constantly presenting the complaints of the irregular immigrants re the type and amount of food being offered. A change of this service provider would be most welcome. 14. Concluding Remarks The Board is relieved to report that it has noticed a marked improvement in the atmosphere at the Centres. There has also been a marked improvement in the refurbishment of the Centres, and in the training of staff. With more people in charge who show motivation to care for the detainees, detention can become more peaceful and less stressful. Overall the detainees seem to be fairly calm and quite relaxed with the officers in charge. When interviewed they rarely or practically never complain about illtreatment. The Board is looking forward to be able to take a more active part in the monitoring the forced return of immigrants. This is a very vulnerable time and great care needs to be taken to treat immigrants in a humane way in spite of the fact that their behaviour is 14