27 Refugees Stranded in Buffer Zone: Possible Return to Northern Cyprus
The number of refugees stranded in the buffer zone has reached 27, raising concerns that they might be sent back to Northern Cyprus. Over the past two weeks, these individuals, including unaccompanied minors, have been living in tents within the buffer zone.
Katja Johanna Saha, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), confirmed to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that new refugees have arrived in the buffer zone. She highlighted that despite 13 individuals expressing their intention to apply for international protection to police officers, they remain stranded along the Green Line.
Saha emphasized that despite the provision of food, water, sanitation, hygiene, and clothing through UNFICYP and in collaboration with UNHCR, the refugees are still living in tents under extreme heat, unable to access dignified living conditions.
She warned that if these stranded refugees are not directed to national asylum procedures, they could be treated as criminals for irregularly crossing into the area, increasing the risk of their return to Northern Cyprus.
Saha underscored the necessity of ensuring access to asylum procedures at all times and providing dignified living conditions in accordance with international, EU, and national laws, aligning with the principles of non-refoulement and the right to seek asylum.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Defense, and Justice of Southern Cyprus have been reported to be addressing the issue of migrants crossing into the buffer zone from Northern Cyprus.
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