European Court Rules Against Cyprus for Refugee Treatment
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Human Rights has condemned Cyprus for its treatment of two Syrian refugees, ordering the nation to provide compensation after the refugees were returned to Lebanon without their asylum applications being properly examined. The ruling highlights critical issues surrounding refugee rights and the obligations of European nations under international law.
The two refugees, who fled the war in Syria in 2016, sought asylum in Cyprus after living in precarious conditions in Lebanese refugee camps. Their journey took a perilous turn in September 2020 when they attempted to reach Cyprus by boat, accompanied by a smuggler and a group of 30 other migrants. However, Cypriot authorities intercepted the vessel and sent them back to Lebanon, a decision that has now been deemed unlawful by the Strasbourg court.
The court's ruling specifically identified multiple violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, including inhuman treatment and collective expulsion of aliens. The judges noted that the Cypriot authorities failed to assess the risks involved in returning the refugees to Lebanon, including their access to asylum procedures and the living conditions awaiting them.
As a result of the ruling, Cyprus is required to compensate each of the two refugees €22,000 (approximately $24,000) for non-moral damages, alongside €4,700 (around $5,000) for legal costs. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in Europe and the responsibilities of member states to uphold human rights standards.
