The Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, has reaffirmed her office’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, marking World Refugee Day with a call for stronger protection measures and respect for human dignity.
In a written statement, Stylianou-Lottides stressed that refugee protection should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a fundamental human rights obligation.
“Protecting refugees is not a matter of philanthropy; it is first and foremost a matter of human rights and respect for human dignity,” she said, adding that behind every asylum application lies “an act of necessity, not choice”.
Record levels of displacement
Referring to the latest data from international organisations, the commissioner noted that the number of displaced people worldwide has reached record levels, emphasising that behind the statistics are individuals who have experienced loss, trauma and upheaval.
She also highlighted the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee law, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face a serious risk of persecution or harm.
Turning to Cyprus, Stylianou-Lottides said the Republic remains on the frontline of migration and refugee movements in the eastern Mediterranean and, despite the challenges involved, has a duty to ensure fair and efficient examination of asylum applications, dignified reception conditions and meaningful access to rights for asylum seekers.
Practical action
She noted that her office has consistently focused on issues including living conditions in reception centres, access to healthcare and education, the protection of unaccompanied minors, and the prevention of ill-treatment and discrimination.
The commissioner also referred to Cyprus’s own history of displacement following the 1974 Turkish invasion, which forced thousands of Cypriots from their homes.
“That experience imposes a particular sensitivity towards today’s refugees,” she said.
Concluding her message, Stylianou-Lottides said World Refugee Day should not be limited to symbolic statements but should serve as a catalyst for practical action to strengthen protection mechanisms, promote integration policies and address the root causes of forced displacement.
