Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499169
13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 MAY 2023 Transport Malta will not be able to assess the traffic impact of a commercial development proposed around Australia Hall, before the Planning Authority approves new zoning for its floor area and building envelope the decrease in arrivals and the increase in pushbacks." Aditus reports that "Maltese detention centres still offer substandard and undignified living conditions in poorly maintained buildings designed in a carceral setting character- ized by the following condi- tions." Additionally, NGOs reported that there is no dedicated space for minors in China House, one zone being dedicated to them in the Safi Detention Centre, offering the same living condi- tions as the other blocks. Healthcare The creation of the Migrants Health Service in 2021 and a new clinic, operating in Safi Detention Centre, saw some positive improvements in the provision of health care to asy- lum seekers and migrants. And while asylum seekers in 2022 appeared to be systemati- cally screened upon arrival and referred to the appropriate ser- vices, Aditus cautions that this must be read within the con- text of a substantial drop in ar- rivals with little to no pressure on the system. NGOs reported that some applicants reported that their treatment was stopped for no apparent reason and resumed following their intervention. Numerous applicants suffering from serious conditions report- ed that they are just given par- acetamol when they complain of their conditions. "That said, the Migrant Health Service appears to be aware of the medical condition of the detainees and usually refers them to the mainstream healthcare system, albeit with substantial waiting times. The issue therefore lies in the fol- low-up and the level of care af- forded to applicants in between the medical appointments, which is reported to be insuf- ficient by NGOs. Applicants with a potential serious con- dition must generally wait sev- eral months before being seen by a specialist and a diagnosis on their condition is reached. Meanwhile, their detention may have a detrimental impact on their health," Aditus said. The screening of mental health problems remains an issue, with many detainees fall- ing through gaps, until they at- tempt suicide and are referred to Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH). In 2020, 93 detainees were taken to the psychiatric hospital (60 in 2019 and 17 in 2018) in order to be treated for self-harm or suicide attempts. Excessive force Aditus says the use of ex- cessive force and other ques- tionable forms of punishment remains an issue, especially where protests or escapes are attempted. In January 2020, detainees started a protest which led to the intervention of the police - 19 were arrested. Days later, 22 were convicted to a nine- month prison sentence for "taking part in a rioting mob". NGOs exposed the way mi- grants were brought to Court, tied together in pairs and dis- played to the general public, contrary to standard practice – an example of inhumane treatment and prejudicial to the principle of presumption of innocence. Minors were among the accused and should there- fore have been awarded spe- cific protections throughout criminal proceedings. Several migrants tried to es- cape the detention centres. In September 2020, five migrants tried to escape Safi during a riot. A private security guard shot at one of the migrants who sustained light injuries, even though guards are not allowed to carry firearms in closed cen- tres. 27 other detainees were accused of causing damages. In the CPT report, the Com- mittee reported having re- ceived several allegations of excessive use of force by DS staff and private security staff following riots. According to migrants reporting to the CPT, staff purposely shook the fence while some detainees were climbing it, causing them to fall to the ground where they were subjected to baton blows. The CPT also reported the unwar- ranted use of pepper spray by custodial staff against detained migrants. The magisterial inquiry into the death of a young migrant who fell from the three-storey high fence in an attempted 5am escape from Lyster Detention Centre in September 2020, re- mains open. Although he re- ceived assistance by nurses on site he was only transferred to hospital hours later where he was certified dead at 11am. The CPT investigated the case, saying it "cannot reassure itself that staff, including health-care staff, had reacted sufficient- ly promptly when crucial help was needed to attempt to save this young man's life from the effects of suspected internal bleeding over a period of at least three hours". mvella@mediatoday.com.mt The screening of mental health problems remains an issue, with many detainees falling through gaps, until they attempt suicide and are referred to Mount Carmel Hospital Large rooms crammed with beds, no privacy Limited to no contact with the outside, all personal belonging being confiscated including mobile phones Little to no access to daily outdoor exercise except a few football games and a TV Systematic lack of information on detention Lack of heating or ventilation in the blocks exposing detainees to the cold of the winter and the heat of the summer Lack of appropriate clothes for the winter Lack of common space, religious space or library Insufficient personal hygiene products and cleaning materials and an inability to obtain a change of clothes Lack of appropriate healthcare, detainees ironically referring to Panadol as the one and only remedy that will ever be provided to them by the medical staff in the Centre. Inappropriate and racist behaviour of some DS officers with some detainees being reported to be threatened, pushed or insulted. Incarceration of asylum seekers Serious shortcomings in detention centres evidenced by human rights groups like Aditus. Source: AIDA report, April 2023