The United Nations’ refugee agency has raised concerns about Cypriot efforts at sea to prevent Syrian refugee-laden boats from reaching the island nation. Cypriot authorities have dispatched patrol vessels to stop boats departing from Lebanon, resulting in the interception of five boats earlier in the week. While Cypriot officials deny using coercion or force to turn back the boats, reports indicate that passengers were forcibly pushed back, which could contravene international human rights laws.
The UNHCR spokesperson in Cyprus, Emilia Strovolidou, stated that testimonies from passengers’ relatives suggest that Cypriot authorities used violence and techniques to destabilize the boats. However, a Cypriot senior official denied these allegations, maintaining that the government acts in accordance with international law and does not engage in pushbacks. The official dismissed the claims of using force as “lies.” Cyprus is obligated by international law to ensure that individuals are not returned to countries where they could face harm or persecution.
Following the interception of boats carrying Syrian refugees, more than 220 people disembarked in northern Lebanon, with 110 registered refugees being released. Saadeddine Shatila, from the Cedar Center for Legal Studies, stated that the Lebanese army may have detained and deported Syrians from one of the returning boats who were not registered with UNHCR. Lebanon has increased deportations of Syrians, drawing criticism from human rights organizations for deporting registered refugees who could face risks upon their return.
The Cyprus government, in partnership with the European Commission, is preparing a financial support package for Lebanon to help stop migrant boat departures. This support is conditional on Lebanon’s effectiveness in preventing departures. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen are set to discuss the aid package in Beirut. People smugglers are taking advantage of regional conflicts, advertising boat seats to Cyprus for $3,000 per person. Cyprus plans to convene a meeting with EU countries to seek additional support for its initiative to designate safe zones in Syria.
The Cypriot official mentioned the possibility of redesignating certain areas of Syria as safe zones, which wouldn’t result in deporting Syrians back to their country but would entail a loss of benefits and work rights. Denmark has implemented a similar policy, and Cyprus could consider it if arrivals continue to rise. The Cypriot government aims to address the influx of migrants while avoiding potential risks for those seeking refuge. Denmark’s approach serves as a model for potential measures that Cyprus could implement to manage migration effectively.
