Description
The Cyprus Red Cross has conducted an evaluation of the current situation in Menogia Detention Centre (MDC) for Irregular Migrants and has reached the conclusion that the competent government services are lacking adequate resources and staff to provide psychosocial support to the detainees. The Cyprus Red Cross shall proceed in a series of actions that will enhance the existing structures. The objective of the project is to develop and provide psychosocial services to the detainees of the Menogia Detention Centre. Through the provision of the basic welfare services, the well-being of the detainees of the MDC shall be improved whilst basic human rights of the detainees shall be respected and promoted, as set by the several national and international regulations, guidelines and recommendations. This outcome shall be achieved through the creation of a clear plan of action, the development of the structures and tools for the implementation of psychosocial support services and the successful provision of those services to the beneficiaries. This project shall benefit the detainees of the Menogia Detention Center and the families of the detainees.
Summary of project results
The implementation of this project had a positive impact on the lives of the detained population of the Menogia Detention Centre (MDC), as well as in the lives of their families, as the provision of the psychosocial services resulted in the improvement of the life quality levels within the Centre and of the kind of information they received as regards to their basic human rights, and more specifically of their right to have access to psychosocial support services during their stay. The provision of basic welfare services ameliorated the existing situation and will help them to cope with the day-to-day difficulties that they face individually. A significant number of detainees had been reporting the imminent need for these services, due to the insufficient support and luck of the provision of the proposed services in the MDC. In particular, the detainees reported various psychosocial problems related to bad emotional state, family and financial concerns etc., and thus, the CRCS through this project aimed to support and ameliorate the existing situation through the development and delivery of the proposed services via the provision of specialised healthcare professionals on the ground. The information provided and the seminars/sessions organised were specifically targeting both the MDC staff and the detainees in order to provide support and a solution to personal concerns and problems of psychological and social nature within the Centre. These activities are expected to have an overall impact in the quality of life of the target groups, as they helped them improve their mental state and enhanced their social skills. Besides the fact that the project added to the personal development and improvement of the social, interpersonal and communication skills of the detainees, it also enhanced the understanding of the police officers as regards to the state of mind and the psychological status of the detainees. Finally, the Research report on conclusions and recommendations which was elaborated adheres to the needs of the specific target groups and has set the motion for introducing more concrete and targeted actions in the MDC on behalf of the Governmental authorities, both for the improvement of the psychological and social welfare status of the detainees, but also for their physical one (athletic activities).
Summary of bilateral results