The UN refugee agency has expressed serious concerns about Italy's deal to process some migrants' asylum requests at holding centers in Albania. Despite these reservations, the agency has agreed to monitor the first three months of the agreement.

'Not part of the deal'

UNHCR clarified that it was not a party to the Italy-Albania deal, had reservations about its implementation, and requested further clarification on how it would be executed.

However, in a statement released on Wednesday (August 14), the agency confirmed it would monitor the deal's execution to help "safeguard the rights and dignity of those subject to it."

The UNHCR -- quoted by the Associated Press on August 15 -- stated that it would provide counseling to migrants about their right to seek asylum and ensure that the procedures followed are "consistent with relevant international and regional human rights standards, are fair, and promote protection and solutions for those in need of international protection."

Also read: Italy-Albania asylum-seeker deal to cost €653 million, report finds

Details of the controversial agreement

The contentious five-year agreement, signed last year, allows Albania to house up to 3,000 male migrants at a time who have been rescued in international waters, while Italy fast-tracks their asylum claims.

The agreement was scheduled to become operational this month, but construction delays at the two new detention centers in Albania have postponed its start.

Also read: Italy-Albania accord 'waste of money', says CEI

Reactions to the deal

Italy's government has promoted the agreement as a key example of burden-sharing in managing Europe's migrant responsibilities and as a deterrent to potential refugees.

The European Commission, which has long grappled with the migrant issue, has endorsed the deal.

However, human rights groups have criticized Italy for outsourcing its responsibilities under international law to process the asylum requests of migrants rescued at sea.

Independent Monitoring

UNHCR emphasized that its monitoring mission would be funded by sources other than Italy and Albania to ensure the independence of its oversight.

Also read: Italy-Albania deal: Only migrants rescued in non-EU waters can be sent to Albania