Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner, urges Cyprus to permit nearly 35 asylum seekers trapped in a U.N. buffer zone to seek asylum. Migrants face poor conditions after months of being stranded, despite receiving some aid. Cypriot President Christodoulides emphasizes combating human trafficking while maintaining strict control over migration flows, asserting commitments to international legal standards and humanitarian aid. The European Court of Human Rights has also ruled against Cyprus for its treatment of asylum seekers, intensifying calls for reform.
In a plea for humanity, Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, urged Cyprus to allow the passage of nearly 35 asylum seekers trapped in a U.N.-controlled buffer zone for months. Stranded in poor conditions, these migrants, including children from countries like Syria and Afghanistan, lack essential supplies and face deteriorating mental health. Although provided with basic aid, their prolonged stay has raised concerns over their wellbeing, highlighted by distressing incidents among the group. Acknowledging the complexity of Cyprus’s efforts to regulate migration, O’Flaherty emphasized the nation’s duty to uphold international law, allowing asylum procedures and ensuring acceptable living standards for migrants. His call for action coincides with a similar request from the U.N. refugee agency aimed at improving the migrants’ situation. Cypriot authorities have recently tightened border controls, leading to a significant drop in migrant crossings, yet they face criticism for potentially neglecting their legal responsibilities. President Nikos Christodoulides responded, stressing the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking and controlling irregular crossings while reiterating that the buffer zone should not become an endless route for migrants. He asserted that the state provides necessary aid to those stranded and is working on resolving their situation. Furthermore, he defended maritime patrols against the influx of sea arrivals, declaring them compliant with international law. The plight of these migrants has caught international attention, with the European Court of Human Rights ruling against Cyprus for violating the asylum rights of two Syrian nationals recently. O’Flaherty’s calls to ensure compliance with the court’s ruling and conduct thorough investigations into migrant treatment both on land and at sea highlight the ongoing struggle over human rights amidst the complex political landscape in Cyprus.
The situation in Cyprus is marred by a long-standing division between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish-controlled north, stemming from a 1974 invasion. In recent times, this geopolitical split has complicated the issue of migration, particularly for those seeking asylum. The U.N. buffer zone separates the two regions and holds many migrants who are unable to move freely due to stringent regulations. As Europe grapples with an ongoing migration crisis, human rights watchdogs have amplified their calls for humane treatment and legitimate access to asylum processes, emphasizing the legal obligations of national governments to protect vulnerable populations. In Cyprus, various measures taken to limit crossings have raised concerns about the treatment and rights of asylum seekers, including reports of detaining them at sea and preventing their entry into the south. Cyprus has been cautious about maintaining control over migration flows, citing pressures on its asylum system as a justification for their actions. By balancing national security against humanitarian obligations, the Cypriot government finds itself under scrutiny both domestically and internationally over its policies and practices. The plight of the migrants currently stranded is a vivid illustration of the complexities involved in migration policy in Cyprus, and this situation poignantly underscores the moral and legal imperatives of providing refuge to those in need, as emphasized by human rights organizations.
The ongoing crisis for asylum seekers in the U.N.-controlled buffer zone in Cyprus highlights critical human rights and legal obligations of nations. As the situation continues, Cyprus faces scrutiny over its immigration policies and the treatment of vulnerable migrants. Proper adherence to international norms alongside humanitarian concerns is crucial in ensuring the wellbeing and rights of those seeking safety.
Original Source: yourvalley.net
