RECOGNISED refugees, migrants and other foreign workers yesterday held a peaceful demonstration outside the Philoxenia Conference Centre where EU interior ministers were meeting to discuss migration and asylum issues.
They said they wanted to draw attention to the difficulties faced by non-Cypriots seeking to integrate in Cypriot society.
The protestors handed over a letter to the interior ministry’s permanent secretary, Andreas Assiotis, so he could distribute it to the European ministers.
They wished, among other things, to draw attention to a report by the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), which recently ranked Cyprus second from last of all 31 MIPEX countries, saying the island discouraged long-term integration.
“The exclusion of immigrants and foreigners in Cypriot society is one of our main concerns,” the group of protestors said in an announcement. “These vulnerable groups have been exploited in the labour market and they suffer lack of respect from Cypriot society.”
They said the recognised refugees were treated unequally compared to Cypriots, even though they were officially told their rights were equal.
“The situation in Cyprus has gotten worse because of the economic recession,” they added. “With the imminent visit of the troika and the austerity measures which are likely to be imposed, this vulnerable group of people are certain to find their already precarious situation will become even worse.”
The recognised refugees, migrants and foreigners called on the European Commission to monitor Cyprus, during efforts for economic recovery.
According to the MIPEX report, “At 35 points, Cyprus is the only country far below average and falling further behind, ranking second last of all 31 countries”.
At their meeting, the EU ministers discussed cybercrime and preparing to help Syrian refugees during the informal council meeting on justice and home affairs.
“[… ]The EU recognises the significance of continuing to build a well-balanced migration policy that provides a meaningful contribution to the union’s growth agenda,” said Interior Minister Eleni Mavrou, who was chairing the meeting.
Mavrou said that any policy should include “measures for integration” as well as “a comprehensive approach on providing international protection and ensuring solidarity between EU member states.”
Ministers discussed how member states can host Syrian refugees and how the EU can help neighbouring countries “in their efforts to deal with persons displaced by the conflict there,” a press release said.
Cyprus, at the EU’s easternmost border, is expected to be the first port of call for a number of Syrian refugees. Ministers also discussed cybercrime and the need to develop strategies on a national level.
Cyprus Mail
