Author
Article 4 IPA expressly provides that each asylum seeker must be allowed access to UNHCR and organisations providing legal counselling.
In the Asylum Home NGO’s are present on a daily basis and available to the detained asylum seekers, who have the same rights as other accommodated individuals. They provide many services including legal assistance and representation, daily activities, Slovenian language lessons, leisure activities and activities for children. (see: Activities in the centres)
In the Foreigners Centre, NGOs are not present on a daily basis. JRS visits the centre to carry out different activities, and PIC staff visits the centre to provide legal assistance.
Visits to the Foreigners Centre are allowed in accordance with the daily visitation schedule. There are no restrictions on who can visit a detainee. The same rules also apply to the media and politicians. Visits take place in a room for visitations, which is monitored by a surveillance camera. Legal representatives are allowed to meet with their detained clients regardless of the official visitation hours.
Detainees are allowed to keep mobile phones and free internet is provided to them. (see Access to NGOs and UNHCR).