migrant deaths

Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

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Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

Fourteen migrants are stranded in the buffer zone near the University of Cyprus campus in Aglantzia, unable to enter government-controlled areas due to the temporary suspension of asylum applications by the Republic of Cyprus. The group includes women and children from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran, with assistance being provided by the UNFICYP and UNHCR. Patrols have been increased along the buffer zone to deter migrant arrivals, resulting in a 95% decrease in arrivals by boat from Syria. Pushbacks in Lebanese waters have contributed to this decrease, but the Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants. The U.N. human rights office has reported gross human rights violations faced by Syrian refugees returning to Syria, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence. Pushbacks are measures used by states to force refugees and migrants out of their territory, circumventing international protection safeguards.

Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

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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.

Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya

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Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya

– Up to 60 people are feared drowned in a migrant vessel crossing from Libya to Italy or Malta.
– SOS Mediterranee rescued 25 people in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard, and two unconscious individuals were airlifted to Sicily.
– The central Mediterranean is a deadly migration route, with almost 2,500 migrants dying or going missing last year, and 226 since the start of 2024.
– Survivors, who departed from Zawiya, Libya, reported their engine broke three days into their journey, leaving them adrift without food or water for days, and at least 60 people died, including women and a child.
– The IOM expressed deep concern over the incident and called for urgent action to strengthen maritime patrols.
– SOS Mediterranee conducted additional rescues, saving a total of 226 people over two days, and requested a closer port than Ancona for disembarkation due to the poor condition of the migrants.
– Italy’s government is accused of obstructing rescue activities by charity groups, forcing them to distant ports and sometimes impounding their ships.
– Italy and other EU governments are attempting to reduce migrant crossings from North Africa by offering support to Libya and Tunisia.
– Italian Interior Ministry data shows a decrease in sea migrant arrivals this year compared to the same period in 2023.