Monitoring of using measures alternative to detention of foreigners
                Public scrutiny
                Completed
            
                            
                
                
                                        
                lubelskie
                
                                        
                Lublin
                
                                    
                                    
                    2015-02-02 - 2016-04-30
                    
                                                    
                    277 778,00 PLN
                    
                    
                
                                    
                    250 000,00 PLN
                    
                    
                                                                    
                    refugees and migrants                    
                    
                                                    
                    
                
                
                
                    Project description
                
                
                    In 2014, in Poland new regulations were introduced on using other means than isolation (detention) during procedures concerning foreigners who reside illegally in Poland. Implementing the relevant EU regulations, Poland ceased to use isolation in cases of foreigners, if during the relevant proceedings it is sufficient to require them only to report periodically to the Border Guards (BG), deposit financial security, reside in a defined place, or deposit personal documents necessary for travelling. The aim of the monitoring was to survey the practice and the scale of using the alternative means by the Border Guards and courts of law, and to identify barriers in their use. Another aim was to improve the situation of irregular migrants and refugees. As a result of the project, data on proceedings concerning foreigners led by the Border Guards and courts of law were gathered. 20 interviews were conducted on the practical use of detention means and alternative solutions with lawyers working in NGOs, judges, and Border Guards officers. Information from 26 local courts of law in Poland were obtained, and 113 cases were analysed from 13 courts of law where detention was used. A report was published summing up the monitoring, containing diagnosis, conclusions and proposals for legal and practical changes. The report was promoted during the seminar organised at the end of the project and forwarded to all entities participating in the project. In addition, permanent intervention activities in guarded centres were led by lawyers who offered legal assistance for foreigners. During the monitoring activities, the Polish legal solutions were adapted to the EU standards. The monitoring (applications for access to public information, interviews and legal interventions) enhanced awareness of social control in 26 courts of law and all branches of the Border Guards, including all guarded centres. 150 foreigners received legal assistance concerning detention and alternative solutions. The report can be used by every institution acting for protection of the rights of migrants in Poland.                 
            
            
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