Comparative Analysis of Detention Centres in Spain and Italy

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Comillas Pontifical University in Spain has shed light on the conditions and management of immigration detention centres in Spain and Italy. The study analyzed 16 reports from the Spanish Ombudsman and the Italian National Guarantor on visits to detention and internment centres for foreigners. The findings revealed deficiencies in healthcare, staff training, legal care, hygienic conditions, and transparency in managing removals in both countries. The research also highlighted the need for reforms to improve conditions in these centres, ensure respect for fundamental rights, and stop their use as first reception centres.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 16 reports from the Spanish Ombudsman and the Italian National Guarantor on visits to detention and internment centres for foreigners, published between 2018 and 2023.
  • The reports revealed deficiencies in healthcare, staff training, legal care, hygienic conditions, and transparency in managing removals in both Spain and Italy.
  • The length of detention varies significantly between the two countries, with a maximum of 60 days in Spain compared to 180 days in Italy.
  • The research highlighted the abuse of detention as a migration control measure and the de facto use of these centres as first reception centres.
  • The study recommended reforms to improve conditions in detention centres, ensure respect for fundamental rights, and stop their use as first reception centres.
  • The research was conducted by Comillas Pontifical University's Department of Sociology and Social Work, with funding from the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.

Statistics:

  • 16 reports from the Spanish Ombudsman and the Italian National Guarantor were analyzed in the study.
  • The reports were published between 2018 and 2023.
  • 10 Italian reports and 6 Spanish reports were selected for the study.
  • The maximum length of detention in Spain is 60 days, in contrast to 180 days in Italy.
  • 100% of the reports analyzed revealed deficiencies in at least one area, including healthcare, staff training, legal care, hygienic conditions, and transparency in managing removals.

Sources:

  • Comillas Pontifical University
  • Open Research Europe
  • Journal article: "Comparative analysis of detention centres in Spain and Italy 2018-2023: Addressing systemic deficiencies and human rights compliance [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]" DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.20108.1
  • Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
  • European Union