Luxembourg’s human rights watchdog has criticised living conditions at the Maison de Retour – a temporary refugee accommodation – for warning that the centre fails to meet basic standards of dignity and privacy.

The Maison de Retour, opened last year as an alternative to Luxembourg’s refugee detention centre for people wishing to return to their home country, has come under criticism for restricting residents’ freedom of movement and for being unsuitable for children.

The Consultative Human Rights Commission (CCDH) said the centre did not make it possible to reside there in acceptable living conditions, due to a lack of privacy, poor hygiene and overcrowding.

The centre was also deemed inadequate for children. The hall has no windows and is too dark, too noisy, and there are no areas where children could play safely. The CCDH said this was harmful to children who are awaiting their return home in a foreign land.

The centre was introduced for refugees who want to voluntarily return to their country of origin. However, the CCDH said this was not a free choice, as the refugees concerned only had the option to remain in Luxembourg illegally or go to prison.

The CCDH demands the government reorganise the centre and improve the living conditions for residents, and added that such temporary solutions should not be used on a permanent basis.

The full report can be read here.