–5–
44.
Deportation operations must be carefully documented. The establishment of a
comprehensive file and a deportation record, to be kept for all operations carried out by the units
concerned, is a basic requirement. Information on abortive deportation attempts should receive
special attention and, in particular, the reasons for abandoning a deportation operation (a decision
taken by the escort team on managerial orders, a refusal on the part of the captain of the aircraft,
violent resistance on the part of the deportee, a request for asylum, etc.) should be systematically
recorded. The information recorded should cover every incident and every use of means of restraint
(handcuffs; ankle cuffs; knee cuffs; use of self-defence techniques; carrying the deportee on board;
etc.).
Other means, for instance audiovisual, may also be envisaged, and are used in some of
the countries visited, in particular for deportations expected to be problematic. In addition,
surveillance cameras could be installed in various areas (corridors providing access to cells, route
taken by the escort and the deportee to the vehicle used for transfer to the aircraft, etc.).
45.
It is also beneficial if each deportation operation where difficulties are foreseeable is
monitored by a manager from the competent unit, able to interrupt the operation at any time.
In some of the countries visited, the CPT found that there were spot checks, both during
preparations for deportation and during boarding, by members of internal police supervisory bodies.
What is more, in an admittedly limited number of cases, members of the supervisory bodies
boarded aircraft incognito and thus monitored the deportee and the escort until arrival at the
destination. The CPT can only welcome these initiatives, which are all too rare at present in
Europe.
Further, the CPT wishes to stress the role to be played by external supervisory
(including judicial) authorities, whether national or international, in the prevention of illtreatment during deportation operations. These authorities should keep a close watch on all
developments in this respect, with particular regard to the use of force and means of restraint and
the protection of the fundamental rights of persons deported by air.