Asylum seekers intercepted over the last days in the government-controlled areas were transferred by the Cyprus Police to the buffer zone, despite UN objections, the United Nations in Cyprus say. “We are not border guards” UNFICYP Spokesperson Aleem Siddique told CNA, when asked to comment on the latest arrivals of irregular migrants in Cyprus.
“The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is concerned despite repeated requests, the Cyprus Police continues to transfer asylum seekers to areas inside the UN buffer zone,” Siddique told CNA.
Over the last days, he added “dozens of asylum seekers were intercepted and denied access to asylum procedures, with many of them having been intercepted in the government-controlled area and transferred by the Cyprus Police to the UN buffer zone despite objections raised by both UNIFCYP and UNHCR.”
“We are not border guards” said Siddique, adding that this situation requires urgent action. These people cannot be left stranded inside the buffer zone, he added, noting that “they are facing dire humanitarian conditions.”
He said moreover, that effective access to asylum procedures and adequate reception conditions for asylum seekers is an obligation under international refugee law.
Siddique also says that UNFICYP has not transferred the asylum-seekers to locations inside the buffer zone “where other asylum-seekers have been left stranded, as we are unable to accommodate any additional people.”
“We remain committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that uphold our shared responsibility to protect those fleeing conflict and persecution,” he said.
