Gender-based violence is a pervasive global concern that knows no bounds, transcending age, race, and nationality. Recent years have illuminated the plight of asylum seekers, a particularly vulnerable group facing many adversities, including the harrowing spectre of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This blog post delves into the findings of two pivotal reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Council of Europe, shedding light on the stark reality of SGBV among asylum seekers in Cyprus.
Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, Cyprus grapples with the dark spectre of SGBV among asylum seekers. I aim to dissect the insights from these two vital reports, urging us all to confront and address the deeply entrenched issues perpetuating SGBV in Cyprus.
In December 2021, UNHCR released a report titled “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Asylum Seekers in Cyprus.” This comprehensive document serves as a clarion call, compelling us to acknowledge and rectify the dire circumstances faced by asylum seekers within the country.
The UNHCR report reveals a bleak panorama, exposing SGBV as a systemic, not isolated, issue among asylum seekers in Cyprus. It unveils a disheartening reality where sexual harassment, assault, and rape have become commonplace. Fear, stigma, and distrust in authorities have conspired to shroud many survivors in silence, leading to underreporting and perpetuating a culture of impunity. This complex web makes it exceedingly difficult to hold perpetrators accountable. Moreover, asylum seekers encounter obstacles when attempting to access support and justice. These hurdles include language barriers, limited awareness about available services, and the shadow of their uncertain legal status, all conspiring to render them even more vulnerable.
In parallel, the Council of Europe released a report that, while not exclusively focused on asylum seekers, underscores the broader challenges Cyprus faces in addressing SGBV. This report acknowledges Cyprus’ strides in combating SGBV, including legal reforms and awareness campaigns. However, it underscores the pressing need for more comprehensive support for rape victims, including asylum seekers. This support should encompass access to legal aid and psychosocial assistance. The report also calls for further legal reforms to bolster victim protection and ensure perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
Gender-based violence among asylum seekers in Cyprus is a pressing and profoundly concerning issue that demands immediate attention. The reports by UNHCR and the Council of Europe offer crucial insights into the staggering scale of the problem and illuminate the necessary steps to address it.
To effectively combat SGBV, Cyprus must collaborate with international organisations, civil society, and the refugee community. This necessitates the implementation of policies that staunchly support survivors, raise awareness about available services, and reform the legal system to ensure that justice prevails.
Our collective responsibility is to shine a relentless spotlight on the daily shadows that asylum seekers in Cyprus navigate. We can collectively progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society by wholeheartedly acknowledging the problem and taking concrete actions to rectify it. A society where every individual, regardless of their status, can exist free from the spectre of gender-based violence, reclaiming their right to live a life untainted by fear and trauma.