ATHENS – According to the European Council of Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and activist groups, the refugee detention center on Samos, which restricts individuals’ movement, resembles a prison and should not be permitted to continue operating. They further noted that the Closed Controlled Access Centers (CCAC) on the Aegean islands, including Samos, are heavily monitored, and the Greek authorities use intimidation techniques and pushbacks to discourage additional arrivals.

Human smugglers in Turkey have used Samos and four other islands as destinations for refugees and migrants fleeing their homelands, hoping to reach Europe, which has closed its borders to them.

ECRE member PRO ASYL and Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) have criticized the detention camps on the Greek islands and stated that they were constructed using funds from the European Union to replace other facilities.

The organizations stated that the so-called Closed Controlled Access Centers (CCAC) are based on a regime of incarceration and excessive policing, making them “more akin to prison” despite initial promises of better conditions.

In particular, the CCACs in Samos, Kos, and Leros are enclosed by an external double security fence reminiscent of NATO, along with other surveillance systems. Residents are subjected to bag checks, body checks, and metal detectors.

The CCACs are located in remote areas, making access challenging and increasing their isolation. The organizations also noted shortages of personnel, including medical staff, and deficiencies in essential services such as hot water and baby supplies, a lack of psychosocial support, frequent power cuts, and delays in financial allowances.

ECRE member I Have Rights and other NGOs have called for the closure of the Samos center, citing failures to meet human rights standards, such as de facto detention of unaccompanied minors, surveillance, restrictions on liberty, and degrading living conditions.

The Greek government maintains that the centers meet appropriate standards for care and has consistently denied pushing back refugees and migrants, while also defending the need for the facilities’ operation.