Overcrowding
The Tug Haven was clearly overstretched, manifestly unsuitable for holding detained people overnight. Sleeping conditions observed were extremely crowded, with people packed so closely together that there was no space between mats, and some individuals slept on double-decker buses. The tent facilities were unsuitable during cold periods and winter months.
Source wording under review
Food/Catering
From April 2021 and throughout the rest of the year, there were concerns about the amount of food provided at the KIU with only breakfast bars being offered.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Hygiene facilities were appalling: Tug Haven had no running water for washing beyond hand-washing sinks, and detainees routinely went several days without bathing. Toilets were extremely dirty, with faeces clearly visible and little evidence of cleaning. A pervasive smell of diesel in the tents further indicated poor hygiene, exacerbated by the inability to wash.
Source wording under review
Healthcare
Medical staffing was insufficient, with only one professional serving both Frontier House and KIU. Medical screenings were brief and often failed to identify serious medical issues, disabilities, or injuries like chemical burns, bed bugs, and severe fuel burns, leading to transfers with undetected and untreated conditions.
Source wording under review
Regime/Time Out of Cell
At the KIU, many of those detained had been in the holding rooms for two days in October.
Safety
Some individuals detained at the Tug Haven were confused about where they were, where they were going or what was happening to them.
Safety
In October, some children were sharing tents with adults they did not know, albeit part of other family groups. Children as young as two weeks old were observed during the Board’s visits to the Tug Haven.