EU pressures Cyprus to grant asylum to Migrants in the buffer zone in Cyprus
The European Union (EU) has increasingly turned its attention to the situation in Cyprus, where migrants stranded in the buffer zone between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish-occupied north face a precarious and often perilous existence. As the number of migrants in this area grows, the EU has begun to exert pressure on the Republic of Cyprus to address the situation by granting asylum to those caught in this geopolitical limbo.
Background of the Buffer Zone Crisis
The buffer zone in Cyprus, also known as the Green Line, was established in 1974 following the Turkish invasion of the island, which was triggered by a coup aimed at unifying Cyprus with Greece. The zone, administered by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), is a narrow stretch of land that separates the Greek Cypriot-controlled south from the Turkish-occupied north. It has become a symbol of the island’s division and a flashpoint for issues related to migration.
Migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia often enter Cyprus through the north, lured by the possibility of eventually reaching the European Union. However, the Republic of Cyprus, which only recognizes the south as its legitimate territory, does not acknowledge entry from the north as legal. As a result, migrants attempting to cross into the south through the buffer zone find themselves in a legal Gray area, neither fully in the north nor the south and often without access to essential services or the ability to seek asylum.
EU’s Involvement and Pressure
The European Union, facing increasing migration challenges on multiple fronts, views the situation in Cyprus with growing concern. The EU has called on the Republic of Cyprus to address the humanitarian crisis by processing asylum claims from those stranded in the buffer zone. The pressure stems from the EU’s broader commitment to upholding the rights of asylum seekers and ensuring that member states fulfil their obligations under international law.
Cyprus, as a member of the EU, is bound by the Common European Asylum System, which sets out the
legal framework for processing asylum applications. The EU has emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus cannot ignore its responsibilities simply because of the island’s division. By pressing Cyprus to grant asylum to migrants in the buffer zone, the EU aims to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and ensure that those in need of protection receive it.
Cyprus’ Response and Challenges
The Republic of Cyprus has expressed reluctance to fully comply with the EU’s demands, citing several concerns. First, there is the issue of precedent. Cyprus fears that granting asylum to migrants who enter through the north could be seen as recognizing the legitimacy of crossings from a part of the island it considers under illegal occupation. This could encourage more migrants to attempt the journey, further straining the island’s already stretched resources.
Moreover, the government of Cyprus argues that it is already overwhelmed by the number of asylum seekers on the island, which has one of the highest per capita rates of asylum applications in the EU. The influx of migrants has strained public services, housing, and social welfare systems, leading to growing public discontent and challenges in integration.
Nevertheless, the EU has urged Cyprus to increase its efforts in processing asylum claims and providing adequate support to those in the buffer zone. Brussels has offered financial and technical assistance to help Cyprus manage the situation, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to overcome the Republic’s hesitations.
Conclusion
The EU’s pressure on Cyprus to grant asylum to migrants in the buffer zone reflects the broader challenges of managing migration within a divided island. While Cyprus faces legitimate concerns about sovereignty and resources, the humanitarian needs of those stranded in the buffer zone cannot be ignored. The situation demands a balanced approach that addresses both the legal and humanitarian aspects of the crisis, with the EU playing a critical role in supporting Cyprus to find sustainable solutions. As the situation evolves, the actions taken by Cyprus, under EU guidance, will be a test of the island’s commitment to European values and its ability to navigate the complexities of its unique geopolitical situation.
