Rights watchdog calls for provision of interpretation at immigration detention centers | Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL: The state human rights watchdog on Wednesday called for improvements in detention facilities for undocumented foreigners, including the provision of interpretation and medical personnel within the facilities. The recommendation came after the National Human Rights Commission of Korea conducted in-depth surveys of three detention facilities in October and found multiple human rights violations in the process. Immigration detention centers are where illegal immigrants are held while awaiting deportation. The rights watchdog pointed out that the supervisors of the facilities failed to give information on the identity and purpose of the crackdowns on the undocumented foreigners, and interpretation was not provided during the investigations. It urged the justice ministry to inform them of the relevant information in a language they can understand and provide translations of the documents they receive, including protection orders or evaluation result sheets. Outside medical treatment fees should be cove red by the state, and the detention facilities should be equipped with medical equipment and medical personnel, the rights watchdog added. The human rights watchdog also called for additional measures, such as allowing the use of personal cell phones, diversifying the means of communication between foreigners and visitors, and providing interpretation during visiting hours. Source: Yonhap News Agency