Immigration and economy: biggest concerns for Cypriots

Immigration and economy: biggest concerns for Cypriots

– Immigration and the economy are the biggest worries for around 40 per cent of Cypriots going into the EU elections.
– Climate action, gender equality and diversity, and digitisation of the economy are bottom of the list of concerns for Cypriots.
– 55 per cent of Cypriots were interested in the EU elections.
– Migration topped the list of concerns for immediate discussion for 41 per cent of Cypriots.
– Cypriots were more worried about the economy and jobs compared with their European counterparts.
– Only 5 per cent of Cypriots are concerned about the digitisation of the economy.
– Cypriots were more concerned, after economy and migration, with fighting poverty and social inclusion, and public health.
– 51 per cent of Cypriots said they were optimistic about the future of the EU.
– The majority of Cypriots expect their standard of living to drop in the coming five years.
– The majority of Cypriots cited ‘peace and security’ as the number one issue the EU should defend in the future.

Migration: Difficult to reassess areas of Syria as safe, MEP says

Migration: Difficult to reassess areas of Syria as safe, MEP says

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.

Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

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.

Migrants call for anti-racist protest on Saturday in Nicosia

Migrants call for anti-racist protest on Saturday in Nicosia

An anti-racist protest has been announced by migrant and local activist groups in Nicosia on Saturday. The protest is in response to racial discrimination in Cyprus and the recent death of a young migrant from Bangladesh. The protest will take place at Solomou Square at 12 noon on Saturday, 20 April. The announcement calls for the recognition of migrants as human beings and the end of stigmatization and discrimination against them.

Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

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.

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California canceled the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to safety concerns and tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to protect campus security, as discussions about the valedictorian selection had become alarming. Tabassum challenged the university’s rationale, questioning if the decision was solely based on safety. USC faced opposition from groups like Trojans for Israel and We Are Tov, who called for Tabassum’s removal as commencement speaker, citing her social media profile and past views on Palestine and Israel. Tabassum’s invitation to speak was withdrawn without USC reviewing her speech, leading to criticism and calls for her reinstatement from groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Russian poetry prize bans entries from transgender people

Russian poetry prize bans entries from transgender people

A Russian poetry competition, the Andrei Dementyev All-Russian Poetry Prize, has banned transgender individuals from submitting entries this year in order to protect traditional values. Russia has implemented a crackdown on LGBTQ rights, including designating the international LGBT social movement as extremist and banning gender change surgery and hormone therapy for transgender people.

Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

Govt seeks to return 30 Syrian nationals , ‘ASAP’

The government of Cyprus is ready to revoke the protection status of around 30 people from Syria who have traveled back to Syria via the north in the past year. These individuals will not have the right to appeal the decision.

India’s LGBTQ+ election vows ring hollow for rights activists

India’s LGBTQ+ election vows ring hollow for rights activists

India’s two main political parties are making promises to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the upcoming general election. However, activists feel that both parties are avoiding the key issue of same-sex marriage. The ruling BJP opposes same-sex marriage and has pledged more support for transgender rights, while the opposition Congress party plans to recognize same-sex civil unions. LGBTQ+ activists are disappointed with these promises, calling them “lip service.” Discrimination and abuse against LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans people, are still prevalent in India. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has the most LGBTQ-friendly manifesto, but all parties fall short of proposing marriage equality. LGBTQ+ activists emphasize the need for greater inclusion and protection for marginalized communities in India.

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.