Turned away: Summary returns of unaccompanied migrant children and adult asylum seekers from Italy to Greece

This report released by Human Rights Watch documents the failure of the Italian border police at the Adriatic ports of Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice to screen adequately for people in need of protection, in violation of Italy’s legal obligations. It is based on interviews with 29 migrants and asylum seekers who had been returned to Greece by Italian border officials, as well as experts and social workers, and government officials. Human Rights Watch recommended a number of changes in Italy’s procedures, including: – Suspend immediately the summary returns to Greece; – Permit those reaching Italy who claim to be unaccompanied children, without exception, to stay and benefit from the specific protections guaranteed under Italian law, pending properly conducted age determination; – Properly screen adults to identify those with special vulnerabilities and those who wish to apply for asylum or otherwise have protection needs; – Provide full access to all arrivals for authorized non-governmental organizations so they can provide legal and humanitarian assistance; – Provide ferry companies with clear guidelines for shipmasters on humane and safe treatment of stowaways when discovered on board and during returns to Greece