UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sharply criticised the South Cyprus Administration for its treatment of refugees, calling on the administration to fulfil its international obligations. Guterres’ comments were included in the latest UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) report, which covers the period from December 2023 to June 2024.
The report, delivered to the UN Security Council members, highlights South Cyprus’s decision in May to suspend asylum applications from Syrian refugees. This decision necessitated urgent humanitarian assistance from UNFICYP and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The report notes a 46% decrease in asylum applications in 2023 compared to the previous year. Despite this, South Cyprus chose to suspend asylum applications. The report describes the refugee movements to the island as “complex”, with 82% of Syrian refugees arriving directly by boats to the southern part of the island. The percentage of refugees attempting to cross into South Cyprus via the “Green Line” has decreased from 57% to 33%.
The report also points out an increase in South Cyprus authorities’ efforts to block boats, resulting in some refugees going missing and others losing their lives. It mentions the continuous presence of South Cyprus police and military in the buffer zone to prevent irregular migration. UNFICYP and UNHCR have reminded South Cyprus of its obligations under international refugee law.
The report states that 29 refugees, including seven unaccompanied children, were stranded in the buffer zone due to South Cyprus’s policies. These refugees faced pressure, sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and severe health issues. The report stresses that the extreme heat in the buffer zone made it imperative to transfer refugees to hospitals in South Cyprus. However, the authorities repeatedly pushed these refugees back to the buffer zone, denying them asylum and protection.
In the report, Guterres expressed his sadness over the plight of the refugees, including children, and noted, “The pushbacks and attempts to detain boats without providing necessary protection are extremely concerning. The principle of non-refoulement must be upheld.” He also highlighted his concern for the refugees stranded in the buffer zone, emphasising the importance of providing necessary support.
Guterres called on South Cyprus to reconsider and resume processing asylum applications. He noted that this would also be effective in combating human trafficking and other irregular movements.
The situation in South Cyprus regarding refugee treatment has drawn significant criticism from the UN, with urgent calls for compliance with international standards and laws. The plight of the refugees, especially those stranded in the buffer zone, underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and policy changes. Guterres’s report is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with international obligations and the need for immediate action to protect the rights and lives of refugees.
