UNFICYP raises concerns with Cyprus on how to deal with migrants in buffer zone

?sylum seekers must be given unhindered access to asylum procedures, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) said on Thursday, adding that it is raising its concerns with the Republic of Cyprus on how to deal with the growing humanitarian situation in the buffer zone. In a press release, UNFICYP said 'maintaining security across the buffer zone and keeping the situation calm remain UNFICYP's top priority', adding that 'UNFICYP, in close collaboration with the UNHCR, is providing immediate humanitarian assistance including food, water, shelter, and emergency medical assistance to the most vulnerable people including many women and children.' The Force noted it 'understands concerns in relation to irregular crossings of the buffer zone. However, as called for in UNHCR's statement yesterday, asylum seekers must be given unhindered access to asylum procedures as provided under National, European, and international refugee law.' At the same time 'we are raising our concerns with the Republic o f Cyprus to address the growing humanitarian situation we are facing inside the UN buffer zone', the statement concluded. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A UN-controlled buffer zone separates the northern Turkish occupied areas from the southern government controlled part of the island. Source: Cyprus News Agency