Europe’s top human rights court has ruled that Cyprus violated the rights of two Syrian nationals by preventing them from seeking asylum in the country. The court found that Cypriot authorities kept the two cousins, along with more than two dozen others, aboard a boat at sea for two days before sending them back to Lebanon.
The European Court of Human Rights criticized Cyprus for not processing the asylum claims of the Syrian nationals and failing to ensure they wouldn't face persecution if returned to Syria. The court stated that the Cypriot authorities' actions amounted to a violation of the Refugee Law.
The court also noted that the treatment of the asylum seekers was degrading, as they were not provided with adequate food or water during their time on the boat. The passengers, including unaccompanied minors, had to sleep on the boat without access to hygiene facilities.
The incident occurred in September 2020 when Cypriot marine police intercepted the boat inside Cypriot territorial waters. The passengers were informed that they could not enter Cyprus and were subsequently taken back to Lebanon.
The court ordered Cyprus to pay each applicant 22,000 euros for damages and an additional 4,700 euros for costs and expenses. The Cypriot government is still investigating the events of the case and emphasized that its naval patrols are conducted in accordance with international and European law.
Cyprus has seen a decrease in asylum-seeker arrivals in recent months due to its strict approach to migration. However, concerns have been raised about the treatment of migrants, with reports of pushbacks and violations of human rights.
The ruling by the European Court of Human Rights highlights the importance of upholding the rights of asylum seekers and ensuring compliance with international conventions.
For more information on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
