Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights criticizes draft refugee law

The Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, Elena Pericleous, has raised concerns regarding the proposed 'Refugee Law of 2026' during a discussion before the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs. The legislation, intended to simplify asylum procedures and address migration pressures, contains a controversial provision that would allow the detention of minors, a practice previously prohibited in Cyprus. Pericleous noted that article 25(2) replaces a total ban on child detention with a conditional provision allowing such actions if deemed in the minor's best interest. She highlighted that the law lacks a maximum detention period and fails to provide for periodic judicial review. Additionally, the Commissioner expressed concern over the lack of independent representation for unaccompanied minors, noting that assigning both guardian and representative roles to the same authority creates a conflict of interest. While acknowledging positive inclusions such as training for personnel and increased psychological support for victims of violence, she argued that the bill still does not establish a fully child-centric system. The Ministry of Migration and International Protection incorporated some of her previous recommendations from November 2025, but key gaps remain regarding the protection of children's rights.