I am a member of the All-Russian Coordinating Council of Human Rights Commissioners in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Today, I participated in a meeting of the All-Russian Coordinating Council of Human Rights Commissioners in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation on the topic of "Current Issues of Observing the Rights of Foreign Citizens in Temporary Detention Centers for Foreign Citizens."
In my speech, I emphasized that, despite their differences from places of detention, temporary detention centers share one thing in common: the forced isolation of individuals from society. This is why protecting the rights of people held in such facilities is one of our priority areas of work.
I shared the experience of Tatarstan: in 2018, the republic opened a modern temporary detention center for foreign citizens for 270 people, which meets Russian and international standards. It places special emphasis on families with children, as well as creating conditions for decent living and access to medical care. In 2024 alone, 3,358 foreign citizens and stateless persons were placed in the center based on court orders, and by January 1, 2025, 2,990 people were deported.
Regular monitoring of detention conditions at the center is an integral part of our work. As part of this work, we hold citizen consultations, enabling us to identify problems and provide timely assistance if needed.
We specifically addressed problematic issues. These include the prolonged stay of foreign citizens in centers without clearly established frameworks, difficulties in enforcing court decisions regarding stateless persons, the lack of regulations for the deportation of people with infectious diseases, and insufficient staffing at the facilities. All of this is directly related to the observance of human rights and freedoms and requires a systemic solution.
I am confident that only through joint efforts can we develop effective mechanisms that will ensure humane and fair treatment for people held in temporary detention centers.