In its 2020-2024 report on Cyprus, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) expresses particular concern about the situation of migrant workers - including domestic workers - excluded from the minimum wage regime and often confined to jobs in specific sectors, which increases their vulnerability to exploitation.
“The majority of presumed victims of trafficking among asylum seekers arrive from the northern part of Cyprus [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Ankara - editor’s note]”, says GRETA, which says it is “particularly concerned by reports that, since mid-May 2024, asylum seekers, including highly vulnerable individuals with serious health issues, have been systematically pushed back into the buffer zone. There have also been pushbacks of foreign nationals (mostly Syrian) arriving to Cyprus by boat”.
The report points out that unaccompanied or separated children are made vulnerable to exploitation because their access to care and education is limited and the exercise of guardianship is problematic.
The Council of Europe experts are urging the authorities to ensure that these children are placed in appropriate accommodation and are sent to school as soon as possible.
They also ask that the age determination procedure be carried out without delay and in accordance with international standards.
Link to the GRETA report: https://aeur.eu/f/gki (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)