Newsroom
A 13-year-old unaccompanied refugee who went missing from an NGO-run facility in Nicosia on August 6 has been found in the occupied areas and is reported to be in good health, authorities said.
The minor, under the guardianship of Social Welfare Services and living at the “Hope for Children” center, disappeared after leaving the accommodation to meet friends. He had been preparing to move to another facility closer to children his age.
Police said they were informed by the Bicommual Contact Office of the child’s location and that the Republic expects to receive information soon on whether he will be returned. The boy reportedly traveled to the occupied areas with the intention of reaching Turkey, where his mother lives, maintaining contact with her by phone.
Social Welfare Services denied reports of bullying, with director Maria Kyratzi emphasizing that no evidence supports such claims. She stressed the importance of building trust with unaccompanied minors and noted that movement among them is not uncommon internationally.
Police, working with Europol, had issued a “yellow warning” during the search but were unable to locate the child’s mobile phone as it appeared switched off.
