The threats fired against Cyprus this week by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as far-fetched as they may seem, should not be taken lightly. The Shia cleric and leader of the militant group commands considerable influence in almost everything that happens in Lebanon, from politics to the economy and national defence. Apart from securing vast amounts … Read more
On the morning of October 7, 2023, I found myself reading the Economist when suddenly a message appeared on my phone. The Hamas terror attack in Israel was all over the news and I could hardly believe how such massive and despicable crime could have happened in our times, especially given Israel’s superior army, intelligence … Read more
France appears more divided than ever after the European election results, which saw Marine Le Pen’s National Rally secure the top spot, relegating Emmanuel Macron’s party to third place. This outcome forced the French president to call for early elections. The discontent with Macron is evident. Despite giving a vote of confidence to Marine Le … Read more
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in an announcement expresses deep concern for the safety and well-being of approximately 31 asylum seekers, including seven children, who are trapped in the buffer zone (BZ) in Cyprus. It is noted that “Five of them entered the Pournara reception centre to apply for asylum after crossing … Read more
The Commissioner for Administration, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, has ignited a firestorm within the Asylum Service after a scathing report revealed significant delays in processing international protection applications from Syrian refugees. The report, prompted by a surge of complaints from frustrated applicants, exposes a bureaucratic nightmare with some Syrians waiting two to five years for a decision … Read more
Minibus services have been organized by the Human Rights Platform to take Turkish Cypriots from across the north to vote in Sunday’s European parliament elections. A total of 103,269 Turkish Cypriots who live in the north have registered to vote, as well as 834 Turkish Cypriots who live in the Republic. Three Turkish Cypriots are standing as candidates in the elections.
More than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank since last year’s Israel-Hamas conflict. The United Nations human rights office condemned Israel’s use of force in the territory and the denial of medical aid. Israeli forces have cracked down in the West Bank, making thousands of arrests to prevent escalating violence. UN human rights monitors found violations of international law in the use of force by Israeli security forces, with some Palestinians killed not posing an imminent threat.
Cyprus is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants stranded in the buffer zone, with the Red Cross already offering aid. The country has obligations under the EU’s Green Line Regulation and is cautious about becoming a new route for illegal immigrants. Fourteen migrants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran are stranded near a university campus in Aglantzia. The UN Peacekeeping Force and UNHCR are working to assist them, as Cyprus has temporarily suspended asylum applications and increased patrols along the buffer zone. Additionally, asylum applications for Syrian nationals have been suspended due to human rights violations in Syria.
A group of United Nations experts are urging countries to recognize a Palestinian state to help achieve peace in the Middle East. Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state, angering Israel. The experts believe recognizing Palestine is crucial for lasting peace and security in the region. Israel has faced isolation after months of conflict in Gaza, with the 7th October attack being the deadliest in its history.
Antreas Fernando was born in Cyprus in 2004 to Sri Lankan parents and has remained a third country national in the country of his birth. He became stateless when he turned 18 and lost his legal status in Cyprus. Despite efforts to secure citizenship or legal status, he has been unable to do so. Antreas has never visited Sri Lanka and does not speak Sinhalese. The interior ministry assures that individuals in similar situations will not face prejudice for living without legal status since turning 18.