#Cyprus

The division of Cyprus between the Cypriot-controlled south and Turkish Cypriot-controlled north has impacted on human rights throughout the island, including on the right to life, non-discrimination, freedom of movement and the right to seek asylum. Since 2015, Cyprus has had the highest number of registered first-time asylum applicants per capita in the European Union, which has led to tension with the local populations. Migrant and refugee rights defenders have been subjected to physical attack, online violence and arbitrary detention, while human rights organisations defending the rights of migrants face criminalisation.