In a poignant plea, a high-ranking official from Europe’s leading human rights organization has urged the government of Cyprus, a nation divided along ethnic lines, to grant safe passage to nearly three dozen asylum seekers languishing in tents within a U.N.-controlled buffer zone. These individuals have been stranded for months, despite receiving basic necessities like food and water.
Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep concern in a letter released on Wednesday, highlighting that despite receiving aid, these 35 individuals, including vulnerable children, continue to endure challenging living conditions. Obstacles persist in accessing crucial items like infant formula and diapers.
This group of migrants, hailing from countries such as Syria, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Cameroon, are trapped in a no-man’s land—a buffer zone that separates the Turkish Cypriot north and the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south.
Addressing Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in his letter, O’Flaherty emphasized the dire consequences of their prolonged confinement. This precarious situation is taking a toll on their mental and physical well-being, as evidenced by the heartbreaking attempts of two women to take their own lives.
While acknowledging the complexities faced by Cypriot authorities in stemming the flow of migrants crossing the buffer zone from north to south to seek refuge, O’Flaherty stressed that international law obliges Cyprus to ensure access to asylum procedures and provide adequate reception conditions.
O’Flaherty’s letter echoes a similar appeal made by the U.N. refugee agency a few months ago, urging the Cypriot government to allow these vulnerable individuals to pursue asylum.
Migrant crossings from the north to the south have significantly decreased in recent months following Cyprus’ implementation of stringent measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras and dedicated police patrols along sections of the 180-kilometer buffer zone.
Following a 1974 Turkish invasion triggered by a coup aimed at unification with Greece, Cyprus ceded control of the buffer zone to U.N. peacekeepers after battle lines stabilized. Cypriot authorities have consistently maintained that they will prevent the buffer zone from becoming a gateway for an influx of undocumented migrants, which they believe would overburden the island’s asylum system.
Earlier this year, Cyprus made the difficult decision to suspend the processing of asylum applications from Syrian nationals, having already granted international protection to 14,000 Syrians over the past decade.
In response to O’Flaherty’s letter, President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to cracking down on people-smuggling networks operating from mainland Turkey to northern Cyprus and subsequently to the south.
It is understood that all the migrants hold Turkish residency permits and arrived in the north via regularly scheduled flights.
The president assured O’Flaherty that authorities are making every effort to prevent what they deem the normalization of irregular crossings through the buffer zone, while simultaneously adhering to international law.
Regarding the stranded asylum seekers, President Christodoulides outlined that the government is providing essential supplies and healthcare. He provided a commitment to resolve this pressing issue in the coming weeks, without disclosing specific details.
The president also defended marine police patrols conducted in international waters aimed at deterring boats carrying migrants from reaching Cyprus by sea. He asserted that these patrols fully comply with international law and refuted allegations of Cypriot marine police engaging in the controversial practice of “pushbacks,” forcing migrant boats back to sea.
Earlier this month, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Cyprus had violated the right to seek asylum for two Syrian nationals. The court determined that Cyprus had wrongfully kept them, along with more than two dozen others, aboard a boat at sea for two days before returning them to Lebanon.
O’Flaherty urged President Christodoulides to ensure that all Cypriot sea operations adhere to the obligations outlined in the court ruling and to conduct independent investigations into allegations of “unlawful summary returns” and ill-treatment of migrants, both on land and at sea.
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights
Editor: Good afternoon, Mr. O’Flaherty, and thank you for joining us today. Your recent letter to the Cypriot government about the situation of asylum seekers in the U.N.-controlled buffer zone drew significant attention. Can you share what prompted you to take such a strong stand in this matter?
O’Flaherty: Thank you for having me. My concern arose from witnessing the distressing condition of nearly three dozen asylum seekers, including vulnerable children, who have been stranded in a no-man’s land for months. While they receive basic necessities, their access to critical items like infant formula and diapers is severely restricted. The situation is not just a logistical challenge; it fundamentally questions our commitment to human rights and our international obligations.
Editor: It sounds deeply concerning. You mentioned the psychological toll on these individuals, which even led to tragic suicide attempts. What implications does this situation have on Cyprus as a whole, particularly regarding its role in Europe?
O’Flaherty: This is indeed a grave concern. Such incidents highlight the potential humanitarian crisis at hand. If left unresolved, Cyprus risks further tarnishing its image as a protector of human rights within Europe. We all know that a nation’s treatment of the most vulnerable reflects its values. Furthermore, the prolonged confinement of these asylum seekers could have broader implications for regional stability and migration policies.
Editor: You’ve pointed out that international law obliges Cyprus to ensure access to asylum procedures. Do you think the Cypriot government acknowledges this responsibility, especially given their recent measures to curb migrant crossings?
O’Flaherty: While the Cypriot authorities face genuine challenges in managing migration flows, it’s crucial to balance security concerns with humane treatment of migrants and adherence to international law. The government has expressed a commitment to tackle people-smuggling networks, but that cannot come at the expense of basic human rights. I hope they will find a pathway to grant asylum seekers access to proper procedures and conditions, rather than simply implementing strict deterrents.
Editor: You noted that the U.N. refugee agency echoed your appeal earlier this year. How do you see the collaboration between international bodies and national governments evolving in the realm of human rights?
O’Flaherty: Collaboration is essential. It is not just about one organization issuing recommendations; it’s about creating a cohesive strategy where national governments, international organizations, and civil society work together. We must foster dialogue and ensure that human rights considerations form the foundation of migration policy, rather than being an afterthought.
Editor: Addressing this issue can be quite sensitive politically. What strategies do you think might help create consensus between the differing viewpoints within Cyprus regarding migration?
O’Flaherty: Building consensus requires empathy and understanding the local context. It’s crucial to engage with all stakeholders, including local communities, to discuss the benefits of a comprehensive asylum process and the moral imperatives involved. Education and awareness campaigns can help dispel myths surrounding migration and promote the idea that providing refugee status doesn’t just help individuals; it enriches society as a whole.
Editor: Lastly, reflecting on the broader situation, what message would you like to send to those in Europe and beyond regarding the humanitarian responsibilities we share?
O’Flaherty: As we navigate complex global challenges, we must not lose sight of our shared humanity. Our responsibilities extend beyond borders; protecting the rights of the most vulnerable is a reflection of our principles. I urge everyone to advocate for humane policies that foster dignity and compassion for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. O’Flaherty, for your insights and your commitment to advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. It’s a conversation that we will certainly continue to follow closely.
O’Flaherty: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues. Let’s hope for a positive resolution soon.