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The UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus has become a temporary refuge for asylum seekers who arrived via Turkey, with 25 individuals currently stranded in the Aglantzia area. On Wednesday, Cypriot journalists visited the site, organized by the UNHCR and UNFICYP, to witness the living conditions firsthand.
Emilia Strovolidou, the UNHCR Cyprus Communications Officer, revealed that 37 asylum seekers are staying in two Buffer Zone locations—25 in Aglantzia and 12 in Akaki. She noted that six individuals have gone missing, and among those stranded are eight children. Since mid-May, 43 people have been intercepted while attempting to seek protection in Cyprus. The asylum seekers come from various countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Cameroon, and Syria.
The asylum seekers are living in tents provided by UNFICYP and UNHCR, facing inadequate reception conditions with no running water. Food and bottled water are supplied by UNHCR, UNFICYP, and the Cyprus Government, but these provisions are insufficient. Strovolidou mentioned that as of June 21, the Red Cross has been supplying three meals per day, supplementing the government's canned food and bottled water.
Emergency medical aid is coordinated with state hospitals, while non-emergency care and medicines are provided by UNHCR. Strovolidou highlighted the presence of vulnerable individuals with physical disabilities and mental health issues, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves, humidity, and dust. Complaints about snakes have also been reported, and the prolonged stay has led to diminishing hope among the asylum seekers, some of whom have been in the Buffer Zone for nearly two months.
The UN community urges the Cyprus Government to grant these individuals access to asylum procedures and dignified living conditions, allowing their claims to be examined. Those in need of international protection should receive it, while those not qualifying should be returned humanely to their home countries. Strovolidou emphasized that the Buffer Zone is not suitable for returning these individuals, as there is no asylum infrastructure in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus, potentially endangering their lives.
Strovolidou stressed that safety assessments should be conducted on an individual basis, considering each asylum claim's circumstances. She pointed out that many of the asylum seekers have fled conflict and serious human rights violations, including gender-based violence, necessitating a thorough examination of their claims by the Republic of Cyprus.
Mashal, a 24-year-old woman from Afghanistan, recounted her journey to Cyprus with her family, fleeing the Taliban regime. They arrived in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus by boat, crossed the Buffer Zone, and ended up in Potamia village. She described being transferred to the Buffer Zone by Cyprus Police after being initially taken to a police station, where their phones were confiscated.
Mashal expressed her frustration and hopelessness, noting that they cannot stay in the Buffer Zone indefinitely. Her younger sister, 8-year-old Sosan, expressed a desire to attend school, having never had the opportunity.
Modasser, a 34-year-old man from Afghanistan, shared his story of crossing into government-controlled Cyprus to avoid being sent back to Afghanistan. He highlighted the dangers his family faces due to their previous involvement with the Afghan Government and the US Embassy.
Sef, a 24-year-old man from Sudan, has been in the Buffer Zone for almost two months. He recounted his escape from war-torn Sudan and his subsequent journey through Turkey to Cyprus. Upon reaching the Buffer Zone, he approached a UN military camp for help and has been stranded since May 15.
The asylum seekers' plight underscores the urgent need for a resolution, with the UN urging the Cyprus Government to address the humanitarian crisis and provide a path forward for those seeking refuge.
[Source: CNA]
