Observatory on Italian Centres for Identification and Expulsion for immigrants

Observatory on Italian Centres for Identification and Expulsion for immigrants

Identification and expulsion centers (CIE) for immigrants, previously referred to as temporary stay and assistance centers (CPTA), are facilities used to detain foreign nationals without a residence permit, recipients of removal orders from the state and against whom an immediate execution of the measure is not possible.
By creating these centers (law 40/1998) an administrative detention system was established in Italy, subjecting individuals to deprivation of liberty who have breached an administrative regulation, such not possessing a regular permit to stay.
In 2011, the 18-months extension of the maximum period of detention, and the recent prohibitions of access to CIE imposed on civil society, has increased concerns about the inadequacy of the administrative detention system to ensure the fundamental rights and dignity of detainees.
Since 2004, MEDU has undertaken a Observatory program on social and health assistance for migrants detained in the CPTA/ CIE in order to deepen knowledge of the management of health and social services in these centers, assess the health status of detainees, monitor and ensure the respect of the right to health and other human rights, in addition to the general dignity of the detainees in the facilities examined.
The project
The project involves the systematic examination of the 15 Italian CIEs, using a survey methodology already tested during previous visits. The implementation of the project is carried out by a team consisting of a coordinator and volunteer operators (4 doctors and 4 socio-legal operators).

The expected results are as follows:

• A comprehensive evaluation of 15 CIEs (in terms of structure, function, service, human rights compliance, efficiency and effectiveness) will be carried out;
• The identified cases of migrants detained with difficult of accessing medical care have access to appropriate health care;
• The public opinion already reached by the activity of the project, is adequately informed as to the existence, purpose, operation, and the criticality of the CIEs and, more generally, the administrative detention system;
• The competent institutions (Ministry of the Interior, Prefectures) and relevant policy makers are informed about the survey results and the visits made to all the CIEs

Beneficiary Population 
Direct beneficiaries:
Migrants detained in Identification and Expulsion Centers.

Indirect beneficiaries:
Civil society, migrants, Institutions.

Financed by:
MEDU

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