Cyprus Accused of Migrant Pushbacks to Buffer Zone

The UN refugee agency has accused Cyprus of forcibly returning up to 99 asylum seekers to a U.N.-controlled buffer zone, hindering their asylum applications. Many of these individuals, including 18 minors, are stranded in dire conditions after crossing from the Turkish Cypriot north to seek refuge with the internationally recognized government in the south. UNHCR spokeswoman Emilia Strovolidou highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation, with many migrants suffering from serious health issues and increased psychological distress. In response, Cyprus's Deputy Minister of Migration asserted that the country is strengthening security to deter irregular migration and emphasized that the Green Line will not serve as a route for migrants. Legal actions are underway as 46 migrants have filed lawsuits against the government for the alleged pushbacks. As tensions rise between the Cypriot government and the UN, discussions continue to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.