Greece: Irregular Migrants and Asylum-Seekers Routinely Detained in Substandard Conditions

This report is based on a combination of field visits as well as detailed desk research. Amnesty International delegates visited the immigration detention centre on the island of Samos in June 2009 and the Mersinidiou detention centre on the island of Chios in September and December 2009. Delegates also visited the police station on the island of Patmos and the border-guard stations of Isaaki, Soufli, Ferres, Tychero, Metaxades and Neo Himonio in Evros in June 2009. Amnesty International also visited the detention area of Athens airport police station in October 2009 and May 2010.

The main conclusion of the research is that Greek authorities should undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the legislative framework, policies and practices regarding the detention of irregular migrants and asylum seekers, including in particular the treatment of unaccompanied children. The research shows that currently, immigration related detention in Greece is used without regard to its necessity or proportionality, and not as a measure of last resort. Asylum-seekers and irregular migrants, including unaccompanied children, are routinely detained at the country’s points of entry and, within three days, are issued with an administrative deportation order. Usually, the deportation order is accompanied by an order for the continuation of detention. No alternatives to detention are examined.