British authorities have begun detaining migrants in preparation for their transfer to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration policy. The government aims to deter dangerous Channel crossings with this approach, despite facing legal challenges from human rights organizations and unions. The first deportation flight is expected to take off in July.
A protest in Limassol on April 27 will address the death of Bangladeshi worker Anisur Rahman after a police raid. This will be the third protest about his death, with demands for justice and the release of his roommates. The police version of events has been disputed, with witnesses claiming the police entered the apartment forcefully.
The 2023 US country report on human rights in Cyprus raised serious concerns over life-threatening conditions in prison in the north.
Five migrants, including a child, died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain in an overcrowded small boat. The deaths occurred after Britain passed a bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda in an effort to discourage dangerous journeys.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is determined to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent for migrants arriving in small boats. The UK government has been trying to deport migrants to stop the flow, arguing that the crossings are risky and benefit criminal gangs. Critics believe sending asylum seekers to Rwanda is inhumane and raises concerns about human rights. Sunak’s new law limits individuals’ appeal options and overrides previous court rulings. The first flights to Rwanda are expected to take off in 10 to 12 weeks, despite opposition from charities, rights groups, and unions.
The US State Department’s annual report on human rights in Cyprus highlights concerns in both the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas. In the Republic of Cyprus, issues include interference with NGOs, refoulement of asylum seekers, and violence against minorities. While the government has taken steps to address abuses, instances of impunity remain. The occupied areas face harsh prison conditions, restrictions on media and assembly, and widespread corruption and impunity. The report also notes that elections in the Republic of Cyprus are considered free and fair, and freedom of expression for the media is generally respected.
Italian police arrested 13 prison guards on suspicion of torture and ill-treatment of juvenile detainees at the Cesare Beccaria juvenile detention centre in Milan. The investigation stemmed from reports by the prisoners’ rights ombudsman and involved testimonies from the detainees and camera footage from inside the prison. The alleged offences were committed from 2022 to the present day.
Cyprus is suspending the processing of asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon. The country wants EU partners to reassess the safety of certain areas in Syria to block asylum applications. MEP Fabienne Keller expressed scepticism, highlighting the challenges posed by Syria’s unstable situation and authoritarian leadership. Keller emphasized the need for support for Cyprus, as it faces a high number of asylum applications per capita. Meanwhile, MEP Tomas Tobé called for EU member states to unite and address the migration crisis collectively, urging a common position on Syria. Cyprus wants EU partners to reconsider the status of Syria, as it believes certain areas are safe for returnees.
Cypriot authorities pushed back five boats carrying around 500 migrants who started from Lebanon, believed to be from Syria. The authorities provided blankets and food before forcing the boats to turn back. It is unclear if the boats will return to Lebanon or try to reach Cyprus again. The Lebanese authorities did not want to take them back, leaving the migrants stranded at sea. The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with over 3,000 deaths and disappearances recorded last year. The Cypriot operation was kept secret, with the Minister of the Interior declining to provide details. Nicosia suspended asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon, citing human rights violations in Syria. Pushbacks involve state measures to force refugees out without following legal procedures.
A Cypriot law enforcement vessel was spotted off the coast of Lebanon as part of efforts to prevent Syrian refugees from reaching the island on small boats. Nicosia has suspended processing asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals and wants EU partners to reconsider Syria’s status. The presence of the vessel has led to up to five boatloads of refugees being prevented from continuing their journey.