Cyprus Police illegally dump asylum seekers in Buffer Zone

Cyprus Police have been transferring asylum seekers intercepted in the free areas to the UN buffer zone, despite objections from the United Nations, according to the UN in Cyprus.

"We are not border guards," UNFICYP spokesman Alim Siddiq told Cypriot media, responding to the latest arrivals of irregular migrants in Cyprus. "The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is concerned that despite repeated requests, the Cyprus Police continue to transfer asylum seekers to areas within the UN buffer zone," Siddiq said.

In recent days, dozens of asylum seekers have been intercepted and denied access to asylum procedures, with many being stopped in government-controlled areas and then transferred by the Cyprus Police to the UN neutral zone, Siddiq added. This action has been taken despite objections from both UNHCR and UNHCR.

Siddiq emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are not border guards," and underscoring that those transferred cannot remain trapped in the buffer zone, where they face dire humanitarian conditions.

Effective access to asylum procedures and appropriate reception conditions for asylum seekers is an obligation under international refugee law, Siddiq noted. He also clarified that UNHCR has not transferred asylum seekers to the buffer zone, as they are unable to accommodate additional people.

"We remain committed to working with the government and other actors to find viable solutions that support our shared responsibility to protect those fleeing conflict and persecution," Siddiq said.

[With info from CNA]