ІІІ. PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS SEEKING PROTECTION AND OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS The migration flow to Bulgaria intensified greatly during the second half of 2013. The main reason for this massive wave of individuals entering Bulgaria through Turkey is the ongoing war in Syria. Along with the Syrian citizens and family refugee flow, seeking protection, there is a significant number of illegal immigrants coming mainly from African countries and Afghanistan. In relation to these processes the Ombudsman in the capacity as NPM carried out inspections in the facilities for detention of refugees and foreigners and prepared a special report analysing and assessing the refugee and migration problems in Bulgaria. During the period 30 September - 11 October 2013 visits were made to the Border Police Department (BPD) - town of Elhovo, the Distribution Centre under construction with "Migration" Directorate in the town of Elhovo; the Special Home for Temporary Accommodation of Foreigners (SHTAF) - town of Lyubimets; the Registration Acceptance Centre (RAC) - Banya Village, Nova Zagora Municipality; the Transit Centre (TC) - Pastrogor Village, Slivengrad Municipality; the Temporary Protection Centre under construction in the town of Harmanli; the Registration - Acceptance Centre - town of Sofia, the centres with the State Agency for Refugees in Voenna Rampa and Vrazhdebna Residential Estates in Sofia. 1. Protection of individuals seeking international protection (refugees) The NPM team found a number of problematic areas during the inspections carried out: Acceptance and registration of the refugees and immigrants Acceptance of individuals is carried out mainly at the Border Police Department - town of Elhovo. In September 2013 only, through the border police department, approximately 2000 individuals have crossed the border of the Republic of Bulgaria illegally, and at the time of the inspection at the BPD - town of Elhovo there were approximately 400 individuals detained. NPM found that the Border Police carries out unusual functions, typical for the "Migration" Directorate with the Ministry of Interior. The Border Police Department should detain these individuals for 24 hours, but in view of their significant number, the slow registration and the insufficient human resources, refugees and immigrants remain without legal grounds at the BPD - town of Elhovo - up to one week sometimes. Many of the foreign citizens are accommodated in one big premise - hall, separated with wire netting and chip-board. The accommodated individuals do not have enough blankets, there are no mattresses and pillows. There was no heating at the time of the inspection as well. In accordance with art. 43 of Instruction No 13-1711 of 15 September 2009 regarding the equipment of the premises for accommodation of detained persons within the structures of the Ministry of Interior and the order therein (the Instruction) each person detained is provided with food for 24 5