S.L. 420.6 Art. 6BDetention of vulnerable persons.

(1) Where vulnerable persons are detained, the competent authority shall ensure regular monitoring and adequate support taking into account their particular situation, including their health.

(2) Minors shall be detained only as a measure of last resort and after it has been established that other less coercive alternative measures cannot be applied effectively:

Provided that the said detention shall be for the shortest period of time and all efforts shall be made to release the detained minors and place them in accommodation suitable for minors:

Provided further that the minor’s best interests shall be a primary consideration:

Provided further that in case where minors are detained, they shall have the possibility to engage in leisure activities, including play and recreational activities appropriate to their age.

(3) Unaccompanied minors shall be detained only in exceptional circumstances, and all efforts shall be made to release the detained unaccompanied minor as soon as possible:

Provided that, unaccompanied minors shall never be detained in restrictive accommodation:

Provided further that, as far as possible, unaccompanied minors shall be provided with accommodation in institutions provided with personnel and facilities which take into account the needs of persons their age:

Provided further that where unaccompanied minors are detained, the competent authority shall ensure that the said minors are accommodated separately from adults.

(4) Detained families shall be provided with separate accommodation guaranteeing adequate privacy.

(5) Where female applicants are detained, it shall be ensured that they are accommodated separately from male applicants, unless the latter are family members and all persons concerned consent to such an arrangement.