The General Secretary of AKEL requests to be briefed on the government’s plan for the construction of First Reception and Hospitality structures

Statement by Marina Savva, member of the C.C. of AKEL

25 October 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The General Secretary of the C.C, Stefanos Stefanou, today tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Minister of Interior requesting that he be fully briefed on the government’s overall plan regarding the decongestion, expansion and/or construction of new First Reception and Accommodation structures for refugees and migrants and for unaccompanied minors, the timetables set, the costs and funding for these projects.

Recently, fragmentary and scattered information has been doing the rounds with regards the creation of structures in various regions. The responsible Ministry and the Government need to implement a specific plan, following appropriate procedures in a transparent and consultative manner. Therefore, the authorities must stop hiding and provide comprehensive briefing on what plan exists and how it will be implemented.

The Republic of Cyprus is funded with millions of euros for immigration policy and must use them so that there are structures that function properly and with respect for human rights and obligations under international and European law.

The failed handling of previous years has led to unacceptable conditions and situations created inside and outside the structures and to the pogroms that have shaken Cypriot society. The current administration has a responsibility to ensure that we do not have to experience the same thing again by implementing comprehensive policies on migration, asylum and integration.