Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs on the House human rights committee heard on Monday that homeless families and vulnerable people are living in unbearable conditions. The committee discussed a Lebanese family of eight, including six children, who arrived in Cyprus in 2022 and were reported to be living on the street while awaiting deportation.
Case raised at committee meeting
Akel MP and committee chair Irene Charalambides outlined the family’s case, which prompted the committee to request a report of events from all involved state services regarding the management of housing for vulnerable families with minor children when repatriation is imminent.
Dispute over accommodation arrangements
A police representative at the meeting said the family had been offered places at the Kofinou migrant centre. Charalambides refuted the claims, saying the family were not accepted in Kofinou, were later placed in a hotel under pressure after being found on the street, and were left without food.
Deputy migration minister response
Charalambides appealed to the deputy migration ministry for an explanation and warned the family could take the case to a European Court. Deputy migration minister Nicholas Ioannides described the case as tragic and said safeguarding migrants’ rights was a priority for his ministry.
Conflicting accounts of the family’s status
Ioannides said the family had withdrawn their application for protection due to plans to relocate elsewhere and were currently staying in the refugee camp in Kofinou. He said they later sought to apply for asylum in Cyprus, and that confusion arose due to the change in circumstances, adding that they were now asking to be repatriated to Lebanon.
Government view on wider impact
Ioannides said it was an isolated case and that it had been significantly influenced by the confusion resulting from the family’s changing plans.
What steps do you think should be taken to ensure vulnerable families with children are housed during repatriation procedures?
