The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed concern over the safety and well-being of 31 asylum-seekers, including seven children, saying that they are “trapped” in the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus. Among them, the Agency adds, five individuals had entered the Pournara reception center to apply for asylum after crossing the Buffer Zone but were later removed by police and pushed back into the Buffer Zone.
UNHCR reports that at least two of these individuals, including an unaccompanied child from Syria, are now missing, while others require medical and psychological attention. It is added that despite being provided with food, water, clothing, and basic facilities by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) with UNHCR’s support, those in the buffer zone are living in precarious conditions in tents exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in recent days. Although Cyprus has offered emergency medical care in the state hospital, police have returned the individuals to the Buffer Zone following discharge, as stated by UNHCR.
“This situation requires urgent action. As we have underlined in communications with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, ensuring effective access to asylum procedures and adequate reception conditions is an obligation under international refugee law. The European Commission has also reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus must apply and enforce all aspects of the EU acquis,” said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Regional Director for Europe.
Leclerc emphasized that these obligations must be applied in the areas of Cyprus where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus can enforce its legislation, including the buffer zone.
This incident, the UNHCR also notes, occurs amidst actions that are shrinking the protection space in Cyprus, including new measures by the government affecting Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers, such as suspending the processing of their asylum applications since mid-April. This measure has reportedly impacted more than 14,000 Syrian asylum seekers, the announcement says.
UNHCR, also adds that it has witnessed the “resumption of arrests, sometimes involving force, of asylum-seekers attempting to submit subsequent applications, aiming to subject them to return proceedings.” Furthermore, it is added, recent months have seen multiple reports of interceptions and “subsequent pushbacks of boats carrying asylum-seekers attempting to reach Cypriot shores.”
UNHCR says it acknowledges the challenges Cyprus faces with new arrivals and stands ready to provide additional support to ensure the fundamental human rights of asylum seekers and refugees are respected.
“We are 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. We have long reiterated that Cyprus as well as other States on the EU external border, should not be left alone. Continued EU resources, solidarity and responsibility-sharing are needed to boost Cyprus’ response capacity,” added Leclerc.
