The crisis in Cyprus involves ‘buffer zone migrants’ stranded in the Green Line, a demarcation area dividing the island. The Cypriot government and the UN are disputing jurisdiction and the treatment of asylum seekers, with the government preventing crossings and the UN accusing it of pushbacks, challenging international asylum rights.
What is the crisis involving ‘buffer zone migrants’ in Cyprus?
The crisis in Cyprus involves ‘buffer zone migrants’ stranded in the Green Line, a demarcation area dividing the island. The Cypriot government and the UN are disputing jurisdiction and the treatment of asylum seekers, with the government preventing crossings and the UN accusing it of pushbacks, challenging international asylum rights.
The Plight of the “Buffer Zone Migrants”
For over a month, a crisis has been unfolding in the Green Line, the demarcation line that divides the island of Cyprus. A group of people, who have now come to be known as the ‘buffer zone migrants,’ find themselves caught in a political and humanitarian deadlock. Stranded in the no man’s land, these individuals are at the heart of a growing dispute between the government of Cyprus and the United Nations.
The contentious issue at hand is the jurisdiction over the Greenynes, with each side presenting a different interpretation of the rules. The Cypriot government has made it clear that it will not allow asylum seekers to cross through this precarious zone, a message aimed at deterring potential migrants. However, their stance has led to an intense confrontation with the UN, which has accused the authorities of pushbacks—a claim staunchly denied by the government.
The Green Line Regulation and International Law
The Green Line serves as a buffer zone established after the intercommunal violence of the 1960s and the subsequent Turkish invasion of 1974. It’s a space that has its own set of rules under the Green Line Regulation. The regulation mandates the Republic of Cyprus to perform checks on anyone crossing the line, primarily to prevent illegal immigration and safeguard public order.
Yet, within this framework lies a contentious point: the treatment of asylum seekers. International law, including EU directives, allows for exceptions where asylum seekers are concerned, recognizing that they may not always possess the necessary documents for regular entry. This has led to a legal conundrum, where the Green Line Regulation’s applicability is challenged by the fundamental right to seek asylum.
A Stance Challenged
The current situation has its roots in a shift in policy. Until recently, crossing through the Green Line was not an issue for asylum seekers. However, a notable departure from this practice has been observed since mid-May. This alteration in policy became glaring when, in a high-profile case in 2021, two migrants were trapped in the buffer zone for an extensive seven months, only to be released following the intervention of Pope Francis.
The government’s changed approach, as explained by deputy minister for migration Nicholas Ioannides, is allegedly in response to the numbers suggesting an ongoing problem. However, human rights advocates, like lawyer Achilleas Demetriades, argue that this policy is an overreach, a form of pushback that the Cypriot government, which often cites international law in the Cyprus problem, should not be adopting.
Jurisdictional Juxtaposition
One of the most piercing questions in this case is where the migrants were found and whether they were within the buffer zone or had entered the territory of the Republic. While the government attempts to differentiate between the two, the UNHCR’s report that five migrants reached Pournara and were subsequently pushed back to the buffer zone contradicts this narrative.
The opposing claims blur the lines of jurisdiction, with some arguing that the government’s refusal to process asylum applications from the buffer zone is effectively a relinquishment of its control over the area. From another angle, this impasse is perceived as part of a broader trend, a hardening of immigration policies that began in 2020 with the closure of checkpoints due to COVID-19. What followed was a change in how asylum applications were managed, a shift that has persisted to this day, further exacerbated by recent agreements to increase the return of migrants and the suspension of applications from Syrian nationals.
In this complex interplay of policy, legal obligations, and human rights, the buffer zone migrants in Cyprus continue to live in uncertainty, highlighting a critical need for a resolution that honors both the sovereignty of the state and the dignity of individuals seeking refuge.
What is the crisis involving ‘buffer zone migrants’ in Cyprus?
The crisis in Cyprus involves ‘buffer zone migrants’ stranded in the Green Line, a demarcation area dividing the island. The Cypriot government and the UN are disputing jurisdiction and the treatment of asylum seekers, with the government preventing crossings and the UN accusing it of pushbacks, challenging international asylum rights.
What is the Green Line Regulation and how does it relate to international law?
The Green Line Regulation pertains to the buffer zone established in Cyprus after historical conflicts. It mandates checks on individuals crossing the line to prevent illegal immigration and maintain public order. However, the regulation’s applicability is challenged when it comes to asylum seekers, as international law recognizes their right to seek asylum, even without necessary documents for regular entry.
Why has there been a shift in policy regarding asylum seekers crossing the Green Line in Cyprus?
A recent shift in policy by the Cypriot government has led to increased restrictions on asylum seekers crossing the Green Line. This change is attributed to a perceived increase in numbers of migrants and is aimed at deterring potential crossings. However, critics argue that this policy shift constitutes a form of pushback that contradicts international asylum rights.
How is the jurisdictional dispute between the Cypriot government and the UN affecting the situation of buffer zone migrants in Cyprus?
The jurisdictional dispute between the Cypriot government and the UN has led to uncertainty for buffer zone migrants in Cyprus. Conflicting claims regarding where the migrants were found and the government’s refusal to process asylum applications from the buffer zone have blurred lines of jurisdiction. This impasse reflects broader trends in immigration policy, posing challenges for both state sovereignty and the rights of individuals seeking refuge.
