Migrants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran stranded in buffer zone between north and south Cyprus

Fourteen migrants has been left stranded in the buffer zone between north and south Cyprus since the Republic of Cyprus temporary suspended asylum applications.

The suspension of asylum applications prevents the entry of migrants into the south.

The stranded group includes women and children from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran. 

The number increased to 27 on Sunday May 2 when another 14 migrants arrived in the buffer zone, the head of the UNHCR office in Cyprus Katja Johanna Saha said on Sunday.

Saha said the migrants had approached the Cyprus police, requesting asylum, but were denied. 

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are collaborating to provide assistance.

This year has seen a rise in migration across the Green Line from north Cyprus. In response, the government of south Cyprus strengthened patrols along the buffer zone. Meanwhile, the government of south Cyprus has reported a 95% decrease in arrivals from Syria by boat.

This has been achieved through maritime patrols and pushbacks in Lebanese waters in collaboration with the neighbouring country’s government.

Missing Migrants Project, an International Organisation for Migration initiative that has recorded migrant deaths and disappearances since 2014, has found that the Mediterranean crossing continues to be the deadliest route for migrants, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances recorded last year.