United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized the treatment of refugees by the Greek Cypriot Administration in his latest report on Cyprus, expressing particular concern over the conditions faced by refugees, including children.

Guterres called on South Cyprus to fulfill its international obligations and revisit the asylum applications process.

In his report, covering the period from December 2023 to June 2024, Guterres addressed the UN Security Council members, highlighting the decision by South Cyprus in May to suspend asylum applications for Syrian refugees.

The report noted a 46% decrease in asylum applications in South Cyprus in 2023 compared to the previous year and a decline in the percentage of refugees attempting to cross the “Green Line” into South Cyprus from 57% to 33%.

Additionally, it was reported that the authorities’ efforts to block boats carrying refugees had increased, resulting in some refugees going missing or dying.

Guterres’s report pointed out that the Greek Cypriot police and military forces maintained a “constant” presence in the buffer zone to prevent irregular migration.

Refugees stranded in this area faced pressure, sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and severe health problems.

The report stated, “These challenges have necessitated the urgent transfer of refugees exposed to extreme heat in the buffer zone to hospitals in South Cyprus. However, the Greek Cypriot administration repeatedly pushed these refugees back into the buffer zone, denying their asylum and protection needs.”

The Secretary-General expressed his sorrow over the dire conditions of refugees, including children, and condemned the actions of pushing back and detaining boats without providing necessary protection.

“I find the pushback and detention attempts without providing necessary protection to be very concerning. The principle of non-refoulement must be adhered to,” Guterres said.

Emphasizing the importance of providing adequate support to the refugees stranded in the buffer zone, Guterres reiterated his call for South Cyprus to reassess and restart the asylum application process.

He added that this would also be effective in combating human trafficking and other irregular movements.