Italian MEP suggests government wants to ‘hide truth’ about Albania migrant centre
Italian MEP Questions Government's Transparency on Albania Migrant Centre
Italian MEP suggests government wants to hide - An Italian member of the European Parliament (MEP) has raised concerns about the Italian government's efforts to obscure the true conditions at the Albania migrant detention centre. Cristina Guarda, representing the Greens/EFA group, expressed doubts after her inspection team was denied full access to the facility, prompting questions about the administration's openness. The Gjadër centre, a key part of Italy's offshore migration strategy, has become a focal point in debates over the treatment of irregular migrants, with Guarda suggesting that the government may be aiming to conceal the realities within its walls.
Access Restrictions and Limited Information
During the visit, staff at the Gjadër centre reportedly restricted the MEPs' ability to gather comprehensive data. According to Guarda, the delegation was given only partial details about the number of detainees and their daily experiences. “The staff prevented us from fully exploring the site,” she noted, highlighting a lack of transparency. This partial access has raised eyebrows among European lawmakers, who are now scrutinizing the government's rationale for withholding critical information.
"There is a clear intention to hide the truth about life inside the detention centre," said Guarda, who also pointed to the facility’s harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures.
Detainees’ Accounts and Mental Health Strains
Guarda’s concerns were further amplified by testimonies from individuals held at the centre. One detainee described a routine defined by uncertainty, with prolonged waits for decisions and minimal activities to break the monotony. The MEP noted that the use of psychotropic medications was frequent, indicating the psychological impact of confinement. These accounts have sparked debates about the humane treatment of migrants and the long-term effects of prolonged detention.
The centre’s conditions have drawn attention as a potential flashpoint for human rights violations. With six reported instances of self-harm since mid-May, the situation has intensified scrutiny. Guarda argued that these incidents reflect a deeper crisis within the system, urging authorities to address the mental health challenges faced by detainees. The lack of immediate government response to these claims has only fueled speculation about their intentions.
Offshore Strategy and Legal Challenges
The Gjadër and Shëngjin centres were established in 2024 as part of a five-year agreement to manage irregular migration. This initiative, costing Italy €130-140m annually, has faced criticism for its potential to detain migrants indefinitely. Legal challenges have already emerged, with judges citing European law to block transfers to countries considered unsafe for repatriation. Despite this, the government continues to promote the system as an effective tool for migration control.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly endorsed the project, framing it as a necessary measure to reduce the influx of migrants. However, the centres have yet to meet their target of processing 36,000 individuals annually. Critics argue that the program’s success remains uncertain, with questions about its long-term viability and ethical implications persisting.
European Parliament’s Role in Expansion
The controversy gained traction after the European Parliament approved a plan enabling the creation of offshore “return hubs” in third countries. These hubs are designed to detain undocumented migrants for extended periods before deportation. While the Gjadër centre primarily focuses on pre-expulsion detention, the broader framework includes facilities with a capacity of up to 3,000 people. The MEPs’ visit underscored the importance of oversight in such operations, as they seek to ensure compliance with human rights standards.
Some lawmakers, including Dutch MEP Tineke Strik, have criticized the lack of transparency during the inspection. “The staff created significant obstacles for us,” Strik stated, emphasizing that the team was unable to access cells or obtain detailed data. These remarks reflect a broader unease among European representatives about the accountability of Italy’s migration policies and their alignment with EU values.