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
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.
President Nikos Christodoulides described Thursday’s visit to Lebanon with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as a “historic day.” Von der Leyen announced a financial package of €1 billion over the next three years to strengthen Lebanon politically and economically, with a focus on controlling migration. The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the EU to come up with a “radical” solution for the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. Despite the optimistic declarations, it is doubtful that the understanding reached would have the desired results.
Attacks against migrants, refugees, and LGBT people in Greece surged to their highest level in nearly a decade last year, with 158 attacks recorded in 2023.
The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.
Around ten EU member states are in agreement with Cyprus regarding the reclassification of certain areas in Syria from unsafe to safe.
Cyprus denied allegations of pushing back and threatening migrants during an operation off the coast of Lebanon. The individuals were provided with food and blankets before being sent back, and Cyprus did not push back any of the boats. The UNHCR and EU define pushback as forcibly returning migrants without access to international protection or asylum procedures. The Republic of Cyprus stated that it respects international conventions and acts within the framework of legality. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou emphasized that their actions regarding migration flows comply with international regulations.