MEPs denied proper inspection of detention center in Gjadër

Today, a delegation of Greens/EFA Group MEPs visited the Gjadër migration detention centre in Albania. The group was denied a proper inspection of the facilities and faced uncooperative staff at the centre. The centre, part of the heavily criticised Italy-Albania deal, is being pushed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and others.

This model is another step into the direction of outsourcing facilities for migrants and asylum seekers at the cost of human rights. The Greens/EFA Group have serious legal, practical and fundamental rights based objections to such centres. Greens/EFA MEPs Tineke Strik, Cristina Guard and Anna Strolenberg (Volt) were among the visitors.

Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA Group Coordinator in the LIBE Committee, comments:

“Today’s visit was very disappointing and disgraceful. The staff really created a lot of obstacles for us. We didn't get any data, they didn't answer any questions, and we were not allowed to really go into the cells, and see what the situation is like.

“For the people we did manage to speak to here, it’s clear they have problems asking for asylum, and many of them don't see any way out of a failed system.

“People end up here in limbo, despite having spent years in Italy and speaking fluent Italian and now they don’t know where to go. We come out here sad and angry. We need to fight this dehumanisation. This system created under the Italy-Albania deal clearly isn’t working and we need to ensure that this doesn’t become the model for EU-funded detention centres.”

Anna Strolenberg, Greens/EFA and Volt Europa MEP in the LIBE Committee, comments:

“This my third visit here and it’s always depressing to see the number of men locked up without knowing when they can leave. Many of them arrived as unaccompanied minors and have lived in Italy for ten years and suddenly they’ve been moved to an overseas camp. Today, I met a boy who had cut his own arm and many have attempted suicide.

“The people who work here tried to keep us out. But we need to talk to the people, listen to their concerns and find out how we can help. We need to ensure that Europe is watching.

“The Italian government, led by Meloni, spends millions of euros on outsourcing asylum procedures, when we could invest this money in quick procedures and good reception centres in Italy instead. This is a waste of money and dehumanises people. And now the EU wants to repeat this kind of failed system, at the cost of human dignity and European values.”

More:

This week, Greens/EFA MEPs Tineke Strik, Cristina Guarda, Daniel Freund, Nicu Stefanuta, Jutta Paulus, Anna Strolenberg, are in Albania and will meet with environmental activists, protesters and civil society following the recent public outcry at the proposed destruction of the Vjosa-Narta protected area. Should you wish to speak with our MEPs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the press team.