Author
According to the Reception Decree, applicants have the opportunity to communicate with UNHCR, NGOs with experience in the field of asylum, religious entities, lawyers and family members.[1] The representatives of the aforementioned bodies are allowed to enter these centres, except for security reasons and for the protection of the structures and of the asylum seekers.[2] The Prefect establishes rules on modalities and the time scheduled for visits by UNHCR, lawyers, NGOs as well as the asylum seekers’ family members and Italian citizens who must be authorised by the competent Prefecture on the basis of a previous request made by the asylum applicant living in the centre. The Prefecture notifies these decisions to the managers of the centres.
Article 15(5) of the Reception Decree, provides that lawyers and legal counsellors indicated by the applicant, UNHCR as well as other entities and NGOs working in the field of asylum and refugee protection, have access to these facilities to provide assistance to hosted asylum seekers.
It is worth noting that these centres are open, therefore asylum seekers are free to contact NGOs, lawyers and UNHCR offices outside of the centres.
Concerning the governmental first reception centres for unaccompanied children, the law allows entry into the centres for members of the National and European Parliament, as well as to UNHCR, IOM, EUAA and to the Children’s Ombudsman, to the Mayor or a person delegated by them. Access is also allowed to persons who have a motivated interest, because of their institutional engagement within the region or the local authority where the centre is based, to child protection agencies with long experience, to representatives of the media, and to other persons who present a justified request. [3]
[1] Article 10(3) Reception Decree.
[2] Article 10(4) Reception Decree.
[3] Article 7 Ministry of Interior Decree of 1 September 2016.