U.N. refugee agency urges Cyprus to abide by law on refugee boats
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations agency for refugees expressed on Friday concerns about Cypriot efforts to prevent boats filled with Syrian refugees arriving from Lebanon to Cyprus, emphasizing the need to comply with international human rights laws and ensure the safety of passengers.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) spokesperson in Cyprus Emilia Strovolidou told The Associated Press that according to relatives of passengers Cypriot authorities used force to push back the boats.
Cyprus has reportedly deployed police patrol vessels near Lebanese waters to intercept these boats. Cyprus attributes the influx of immigrants, mainly Syrians, to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon.
Strovolidou highlighted the importance of not returning individuals to countries where they may face harm or persecution, adding however, the U.N. agency was “not in a position to confirm” the testimonies of the passengers’ relatives.
Meanwhile, a Cypriot senior official denied the allegations and stressed Cyprus authorities did not resort to force or violence.
The Lebanese army has previously deported Syrians on seized boats, prompting concerns from human rights organizations as some of the deported Syrian have reportedly been subjected to detention and torture.
Cyprus is planning to seek the support of the European Union (EU) for its proposal to establish safe zones in Syria, with the Czech Republic and Denmark supporting the initiative.
On Friday, the Lebanese Prime Minster, Najib Mikati, suggested to French President Emmanuel Macron, in a meeting in France, to discuss the issue of designating safe areas in Syria in the European Union to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.