Cyprus faces allegations of unlawfully pushing migrants into a buffer zone without allowing them to seek asylum, sparking concern over potential violations of EU and international laws. The UNHCR and Cypriot government clash in conflicting reports, highlighting the urgent need for transparent asylum procedures and adherence to human rights standards in the face of escalating tensions.
The overcrowded conditions in Wing 1B of the central prison, where inmates are forced to sleep on gymnasium floors, violate international human rights standards. Maria Stylianou Lottides’ advocacy aims to ensure prisoners have their own beds and adequate personal space for dignified treatment, highlighting the urgent need for action from Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and prison authorities.
Asylum seekers in the UN buffer zone near the University of Cyprus endure stifling humidity, makeshift facilities, and emotional turmoil, their plea for dignity and access to asylum procedures contrasting with their current state of despair and unfulfilled dreams. Living in a harsh limbo, these individuals face daily challenges and an uncertain future, trapped between impossibility and rejection while holding onto fading hopes of a life lived with dignity.
Turkish Cypriot officials at PACE are calling for an investigation into recent Cyprus property sales arrests, raising concerns about the Immovable Property Commission’s role in resolving disputes and safeguarding individuals’ rights in the region. The arrests, which contradict IPC decisions, challenge fair adjudication and stir tensions in the ongoing property disputes between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled against Cyprus for violating the rights of two asylum seekers, awarding €12,000 in compensation. The cases highlight the need for a balance between national security and human rights in the treatment of individuals seeking asylum.
The proposal to establish a Truth Commission in Cyprus aims to uncover the truth behind individuals missing from conflicts since 1960s, fostering reconciliation through immunity for information disclosure. With global support, including the presence of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, this pivotal decision could reshape the nation’s approach to addressing longstanding human rights violations.
The abandoned Aquarius Hotel in Limassol’s Germasoyia district is a dire sight with no electricity or running water, now serving as a makeshift shelter for the homeless amidst trash and vermin. This stark contrast of neglect against a city known for luxury highlights the harsh reality of inequality and the hidden struggles faced by the most vulnerable.
President Nikos Christodoulides vows to bring justice to those involved in usurping Greek Cypriot properties, ensuring legal consequences for offenders. The government is taking a proactive stance to protect individual property rights and uphold justice through legal means.
Cyprus asserts its strong dedication to human rights in its UN candidacy presentation, prioritizing equality, addressing human rights violations, and fostering global peace and stability. The nation actively seeks to enhance international collaboration, promote gender equality, criminalize femicide, and combat human trafficking domestically, setting a strong example for national policy mirroring international human rights standards.
The Foreign Ministry has positively reacted to PACE’s resolution on Varosha, expressing appreciation for the decision supporting the return of the town to its legal residents. This move aligns with UN resolutions and challenges Turkey’s actions, fostering hope for a just and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.
