EU urged to uphold minimum safeguards for the detention of asylum seekers

The IRCT and 17 of its member centres have signed a joint civil society appeal to uphold minimum safeguards for the detention of asylum seekers as the EU reviews its rules on the issue. At present, the European Parliament, the Commission and the European Council are in the final stages of review of rules on the reception of asylum seekers and State responsibility for asylum seekers claims under the Europe-wide Dublin regulations.

Given the detrimental effects of detention on the mental and physical health of asylum seekers, and especially the risk of re-traumatisation for victims of torture, the outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on some of the most vulnerable populations in Europe.

In addition to listing essential safeguards for the detention of asylum seekers, the joint appeal by 166 civil society organisations reminds the negotiators that under international refugee and human rights law, asylum seekers should not be detained at all, except under exceptional circumstances and with full procedural safeguards in place.

For more information:

• IRCT ECRE Appeal (PDF file)
• A negotiators checklist on minimum detention safeguards (PDF file)
• AI ECRE - Letter to EU Institutions (PDF file)
• ECRE AIEU Letter to LIBE MEPs (PDF file)