PACE resolution calls on states to question use of detention
PACE resolution calls on states to question use of detention
On 28th January 2010 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution on the detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe. The report expresses concern at the growing number of people held in detention in Member States and encourages states to employ alternative solutions.
Resolution 1707 (2010) ‘The detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in Europe’ cites the ‘hardening attitude towards irregular migrants and asylum seekers’ as the principle reason behind policies and political decisions that result in detention.
PACE introduced the resolution in response to the significant increase of asylum seekers and irregular migrants in detention across European Member States. The resolution sets out guiding principles on the legality of detention and highlights the minimum standards, which address a number of issues, including overcrowding in detention centres, unsatisfactory conditions in the centres and the legal justification of detaining asylum seekers and irregular migrants.
PACE also highlights that detention should only be used as a last resort: ‘detention of asylum seekers and irregular migrants shall be exceptional and only used after first reviewing all other alternatives and finding that there is no effective alternative.’ The Assembly calls on member states to adhere to their obligations to international human rights and refugee law.
The resolution is particularly relevant in light of last week’s hunger strike at Yarl’s Wood detention centre, where women are protesting against the amount of time spent in detention and the conditions at the centre.
The Testimony Project welcomes the resolution and calls for the UK to comply with its obligations under international human rights and refugee law.
Photo taken from the full Guardian article.