Author
The LITP allows for the detention of vulnerable applicants, if detention is suited to their special needs.[1] Moreover, it provides for detention of unaccompanied children, although for as short a period as possible.[2] No information is available on the number of vulnerable applicants who were detained in the detention centres in the course of 2019,2020 and 2021.
According to the information from the Border Violence Monitoring Network from October 2019, three unaccompanied children, who did not express the intention to apply for international protection, were apprehended when trying to enter Croatia hidden in a van. They were detained and beaten at the Bajakovo border-crossing point.[3]
While there is no data on the use of detention for applicants for international protection in 2021, the Ombudsperson for Children reported that the freedom of movement of 37 accompanied children of irregular migrants was restricted during that year. They were held in the Reception Centre for Foreigners Ježevo and in the Transit Reception centres for foreigners Trilj and Tovarnik.[4]
[1] Article 54(7) LITP.
[2] Article 54(8) LITP.
[3] Border Violence Monitoring Network, October 2019, available at: https://bit.ly/2wnErUo.
[4] Ombudsperson for Children: Report on the work of the Ombudsman for Children in 2021, available in Croatian: https://bit.ly/3v8N0wL.