Civil Liberties VISIT TO DETENTION CENTRES AND REFUGEE CAMPS Visit to Detention Centre at Lampur Sewa Sadan, Delhi 3.82 The Commission received a number of complaints on the pitiable conditions existing in Lampur Sewa Sadan, Delhi, where foreigners are temporarily detained when arrested for travelling to India on forged passports etc. The Director General (Investigation) of the Commission was requested by the Commission to look into the running ofLampur Sewa Sadan and suggest improvements. Accordingly, he visited the Lampur Sewa Sadan in July 1999 and submitted his report to the Commission, indicating that while the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Home Department of the Delhi Governments were responsible for the detention, safety and well-being of the detained foreigners, the Sodal Welfare Department was in-chaige of the Institution. The coordination and supervision at the ground level were found to be far from satisfactory. The detained foreigners made requests for regular visits by the medical officer, they also sought telephone facilities, separate arrangements for food and better accommodation. The Commission considered the report of the Director General (Investigation) and has been pursuing the matter with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Visit to Special Refugee Camp at Meiur (Tamil Nadu) 3.83 The Commission has frequently been receiving complaints from refugees in India, which it takes up with the competent ministries of the Central Government and with the concerned State Government. It also remains in touch with the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. On occasion, Members of the Commission or its senior officers have had to visit refugee camps themselves. During the period imder review, for instance, the Commission received a complaint from a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee lodged in Melur Refugee Camp about the conditions prevailing in that camp. The main grievances of the petitioner were that 25 Sri Lankan refugees, including 5 women and 2 children, had been detained in the Melur Camp without any indication being given about their fiature fate or their release. They also complained ofan insufficient allowance, excessive restrictions over their movements even within the compound during the day, and the lack of arrangements for visitors to meet them. They requested that there should be regular visits of a medical officer and medical check-ups, when needed outside the camp. 3.84 Following directions of the.Commission, the Director General (Investigation) paid a visit to Melur Refugee Camp in June 1999 and submitted a report. The Commission considered his report and directed the State Government to make immediate arrangements to ensure that inmates at the refugee camp, including women and children, are allowed greater freedom of movement within the premises of the camp, so that they can exercise properly and keep in better health. The Commission also directed 41