The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs Anita Demetriou received today the Head of the Delegation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Cyprus, Mrs Katja Saha Savarimuthu.
The Speaker of the Parliament praised the work of UNHCR and stressed that the Republic of Cyprus makes every effort to provide support to beneficiaries of humanitarian protection, in accordance with its European and international obligations and with respect for human rights.
Referring to the dramatic situation created by the disproportionate pressure that Cyprus, as a frontline country, is facing due to the rapid increase in the number of asylum seekers and migrants, the Speaker of Parliament stressed the need for the European Union to adopt a unified policy for the management of the problem, on the basis of solidarity between its Member States. Pointing out that asylum seekers and irregular migrants are being sent to Cyprus from Turkey through the Green Line, Ms Demetriou said that it is urgent to implement appropriate mechanisms to prevent the crossings.
Ms Saha noted that the Memorandum of Understanding, recently signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the European Commission, is a first step towards a collective response to the increasing migratory flows in Cyprus. Regarding the management of the situation, Ms Saha referred to the problems faced by asylum seekers before and during the examination of their applications, as well as the difficult living conditions in the Temporary Accommodation Centre "Pournara", due to overcrowding, especially for unaccompanied minors.
In addition, during the meeting, common concern and concern was expressed about the dramatic developments in Ukraine and the new wave of refugees to Europe.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
