Press Releases

I would like to extend a warm welcome and thank you for attending this workshop, jointly organized by the International Organisation for Migration Office in Cyprus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

All of us who are present here today acknowledge the fact that when natural disasters take place or when armed conflict breaks out, they have an immediate impact on the communities. Therefore, when local options for safety and assistance are absent, humanitarian evacuation procedures have to be made available in a timely manner.

Given its geographical position, Cyprus has a substantial role to play as a “safe transfer hub”, and the Government of Cyprus is willing and ready to fully assume this role for the benefit of the International Community.

Cyprus was in fact put to the test as a transit hub for the evacuation of thousands of civilians, during the Lebanon crisis, back in 2006. Building on the experience acquired during that humanitarian evacuation operation, the government of the Republic of Cyprus established “ESTIA”, its own National Action Plan, which articulates national structures and internal procedures to manage the various aspects of such an operation, as well as the challenges emanating from it. The Plan foresees the coordination with foreign missions and other relevant international actors, as an integral part for any successful evacuation operation.

Governmental Services and actors in any country used as a “safe haven” have a principal role to play. However, unless there is effective coordination with foreign governments and crisis management teams of the evacuees countries’ of origin,  local and international non-governmental actors and, of course, International organisations, such an undertaking cannot be effectively managed.

The purpose of the workshop that is taking place today is precisely to examine the existing plans of action of various stakeholders that will be actively involved in a possible evacuation operation, identify tools that are available and discuss relevant procedures and possible synergies. Given the list of speakers and panellists I am confident that the forum will serve its purpose and will provide ample conclusions on which we can build on, in order to enhance coordination at all levels and thus maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of any possible future humanitarian operation.

In closing allow me to convey the Ministry’s appreciation to the Head of IOM’s Cyprus Office, Mrs Natasa Xenophontos Koudouna and her team, for organising this Workshop and wish them every success in their important mission.

Thank you for your attention.

(ML)