Cyprus’ Interior Minister Nicos Nouris has launched an urgent investigation after the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported the sexual harassment of three unaccompanied boys at the Pournara First-Reception Centre outside Nicosia. The allegations, discussed in Parliament’s human-rights committee on 17 February, include adults entering showers, touching minors in food queues and grooming victims for prostitution.(in-cyprus.philenews.com)
Children’s Rights Commissioner Despo Michaelidou described the revelations as a “chilling reality”, noting that 48 unaccompanied minors are currently housed with adults despite international safeguards that require separate accommodation. Opposition MPs walked out in protest, accusing the government of systemic neglect.(in-cyprus.philenews.com)
![Interior Ministry orders probe into sexual-abuse claims at Pournara migrant camp]()
Whether you’re a journalist dispatched to cover developments at Pournara, a lawyer representing asylum seekers, or a volunteer heading to Cyprus to support child-protection efforts, you may need the right entry documentation. VisaHQ simplifies the process by arranging Cyprus visas online, offering up-to-date guidance and real-time application tracking—learn more at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/
Officials from Social Welfare Services and the police said they had received no formal complaints until the UNHCR raised the issue. Nouris instructed a multi-agency task-force to interview victims and review security protocols within 48 hours. Possible outcomes include criminal prosecutions and the relocation of all minors to dedicated shelters.(in-cyprus.philenews.com)
The incident intensifies scrutiny of Cyprus’ reception conditions just as the EU finalises a common asylum pact that stresses child protection. Employers hosting secondees who volunteer or conduct CSR work at Pournara should brief staff on safeguarding rules and be aware that security measures at the camp may tighten, affecting access for NGOs and support contractors.
Children’s Rights Commissioner Despo Michaelidou described the revelations as a “chilling reality”, noting that 48 unaccompanied minors are currently housed with adults despite international safeguards that require separate accommodation. Opposition MPs walked out in protest, accusing the government of systemic neglect.(in-cyprus.philenews.com)
Whether you’re a journalist dispatched to cover developments at Pournara, a lawyer representing asylum seekers, or a volunteer heading to Cyprus to support child-protection efforts, you may need the right entry documentation. VisaHQ simplifies the process by arranging Cyprus visas online, offering up-to-date guidance and real-time application tracking—learn more at https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/
Officials from Social Welfare Services and the police said they had received no formal complaints until the UNHCR raised the issue. Nouris instructed a multi-agency task-force to interview victims and review security protocols within 48 hours. Possible outcomes include criminal prosecutions and the relocation of all minors to dedicated shelters.(in-cyprus.philenews.com)
The incident intensifies scrutiny of Cyprus’ reception conditions just as the EU finalises a common asylum pact that stresses child protection. Employers hosting secondees who volunteer or conduct CSR work at Pournara should brief staff on safeguarding rules and be aware that security measures at the camp may tighten, affecting access for NGOs and support contractors.
