Cyprus is urging the European Union to re-evaluate the safety of regions within Syria for potential repatriation as the country faces a significant rise in refugee arrivals. The Cypriot government seeks a reassessment of EU policies and a collaborative effort to manage the increased influx and strain on resources.
What is Cyprus urging the European Union to do regarding Syrian refugees?
Cyprus is urging the EU to re-evaluate the safety of regions within Syria for potential repatriation, as the country faces a significant rise in refugee arrivals. The Cypriot government seeks a reassessment of EU policies and a collaborative effort to manage the increased influx and strain on resources.
Urgent Re-evaluation of Syria’s Status
The Republic of Cyprus is currently facing a significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees arriving on its shores. With this surge, the Cypriot government is urging the European Union to re-evaluate the safety of regions within Syria for potential repatriation. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou is at the forefront, calling for a crucial discussion on the current status of Syria and its suitability for the return of refugees.
Cyprus’s plea comes against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, leading to a heightened state of alert for an additional influx of asylum seekers. This has placed considerable strain on the nation’s resources, according to Ioannou, who pointed out that Cyprus is contending with a migrant volume five times greater than other frontline EU states, predominantly with individuals fleeing from Syria.
Expanding Capacities and Seeking Solidarity
To manage the rising numbers, Cyprus is expanding its facilities for accommodating refugees. However, the country is looking for more than just a unilateral response; there is an inherent need for a reassessment of EU policies regarding the situation. This includes a more supportive stance for Lebanon, which is currently hosting a vast number of Syrian refugees.
The conversation is partly fueled by a report from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), which in February suggested that certain Syrian governates, including Damascus and Tartous, face no imminent risk of violence impacting civilians indiscriminately. This assessment is pivotal as more than 5 million Syrians have evacuated their homeland since the civil war commenced, seeking sanctuary primarily in Lebanon and Turkey. Despite a relative stalemate in the conflict with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime gaining control over most regions, the exodus persists.
The Increasing Pressure of Influx on Cyprus
Following the cessation of the Turkish route to the Greek islands due to a 2016 EU deal with Ankara, Cyprus has become a focal point for migrants. In 2022, asylum applications in Cyprus peaked, hitting record numbers since data collection began in 2002. A notable uptick in arrivals occurred in October, with Syrian refugees reaching Cyprus by boat from Lebanon.
The situation is further complicated by Cyprus’s own experience as a new migrant route since 2019. Numerous individuals entered through the north on student visas and were later clandestinely moved to the Republic. Although intensified security measures along the 180-km “green line” have significantly decreased entry numbers, there remains concern for potential alternate routes.
The local authorities, including Superintendent B’ Ioannis Artemiou of the Famagusta marine police unit, have observed a dramatic rise in refugee arrivals over the last two years. The relatively short sea journey from Lebanon or Syria is often made in small fishing vessels, with Cape Greco being a common landing point.
Cyprus’s Collaborative Efforts and Proposals
Cyprus is actively engaging with Lebanon to address the issue of sea-based migrations, with interceptions of numerous vessels and proposals for technical assistance and joint patrols. Ioannou also proposed the concept of establishing “safe zones” outside of the EU, where asylum requests could be processed, akin to Italy’s plan to develop centers in Albania.
These suggestions come at a time when the wider region is facing potential escalations of displacement, particularly with the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. While the European Commission has yet to comment on Cyprus’s requests, the dialogue on this humanitarian crisis remains a priority for Cyprus and the EU at large.
FAQ
What is Cyprus urging the European Union to do regarding Syrian refugees?
Cyprus is urging the EU to re-evaluate the safety of regions within Syria for potential repatriation, as the country faces a significant rise in refugee arrivals. The Cypriot government seeks a reassessment of EU policies and a collaborative effort to manage the increased influx and strain on resources.
Why is Cyprus urging the EU to re-evaluate the safety of regions within Syria?
Cyprus is facing a significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees arriving on its shores. The country is contending with a migrant volume five times greater than other frontline EU states, predominantly with individuals fleeing from Syria. There is a need to assess the safety of regions within Syria and consider the potential for repatriation to manage the rising numbers and the strain on resources.
How is Cyprus managing the increasing influx of Syrian refugees?
To manage the rising numbers, Cyprus is expanding its facilities for accommodating refugees. However, the country is looking for more than just a unilateral response. There is a need for a reassessment of EU policies regarding the situation. Cyprus is also engaging with Lebanon to address the issue of sea-based migrations, proposing technical assistance and joint patrols. The country has also suggested the concept of establishing “safe zones” outside of the EU, where asylum requests could be processed.
What is the current situation of Syrian refugees in Cyprus?
Cyprus has become a focal point for migrants since the cessation of the Turkish route to the Greek islands in 2016. In 2022, asylum applications in Cyprus hit record numbers. Syrian refugees have been reaching Cyprus by boat from Lebanon. There is concern for potential alternate routes, and local authorities have observed a dramatic rise in refugee arrivals over the last two years.
