Everyone Around is Suffering. / Wszyscy wokół cierpią.

The latest report by the Polish Migration Forum Foundation, supported by Save the Children Poland, highlights significant deficiencies in the provision of psychological support to residents of guarded centers for foreigners (SOC) in Poland. Lawyers and psychologists express concern that children and particularly vulnerable individuals are detained in these closed centers, posing serious threats to their physical and mental health, with potential long-term impacts on their psychophysical development.

This pioneering report, the first of its kind in Poland, synthesizes the experiences of a non-governmental organization in delivering psychological assistance to SOC residents. It is informed by insights from lawyers specializing in migration law and psychologists working with detained foreigners, alongside testimonies from migrants themselves, gathered through interviews. The findings corroborate issues previously raised by the Ombudsman, such as restricted access for non-governmental organizations, perceived bias of Border Guard-employed psychologists, and an inadequate number of psychologists relative to the demand.

The report underscores the detrimental effects of detention on the mental health of SOC residents, many of whom have endured traumatic experiences in their home countries or during their migration journeys. Documented psychological issues include anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal crises. Experts assert that, in accordance with national and international laws, detaining migrants in SOCs should be an exception, with the shortest possible duration. However, current practices deviate from these legal standards.

To address these challenges, the report recommends that Polish authorities adopt concrete and practical measures that prioritize freedom over detention. Key recommendations include developing effective identification mechanisms that account for the legal and health needs of foreigners, enhancing access to psychological support, building trust between foreigners and state institutions, and considering alternative detention strategies involving case managers