Neapolis University Pafos and the UN Refugee Agency’s office in Cyprus have renewed their cooperation protocol, reaffirming their commitment to joint actions aimed at informing and raising awareness among the academic and local community.
The renewal followed an event at the university titled “Migration, Asylum and Human Rights: Memories, journeys and integration”, which brought together the academic community, local society and UNHCR Cyprus for discussion and exchange of views on migration and refugee issues.
According to an announcement, the event was organised on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of UNHCR and the signing of the 1951 Geneva Convention. It was held by Work Package 2, Community Engagement and Services, coordinated by Lecturer Katerina Papazacharia, as part of the EMERGE European Universities Alliance, of which Neapolis University Pafos is a full member.
The event was organised in cooperation with the university’s Human Rights Observatory, UNESCO Chair and Jean Monnet Chair, as well as the UNHCR office in Cyprus.
Rector Professor Pantelis Sklias and Leslie Esther Vélez, head of the UNHCR office in Cyprus, delivered greetings. The keynote address was given by UNHCR Protection Officer Olga Komiti, under the title “Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Cyprus: Challenges and Opportunities”.
Participants were briefed on UNHCR’s strategy and priorities in asylum and refugee protection, as well as the current challenges and opportunities concerning refugees and asylum seekers in Cyprus.
The discussion that followed gave Neapolis University Pafos students the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on the issues raised and share their views. Students with migrant and refugee backgrounds also spoke about family experiences and stories from their countries of origin.
Mary Chojnowski, chair of the volunteer committee of The Learning Refuge in Paphos, presented the centre’s work in supporting individuals and families with refugee backgrounds living in Paphos. Artworks and handicrafts created by refugee women involved with The Learning Refuge were also displayed during the event.
The event concluded with the renewal of the cooperation protocol between Neapolis University Pafos and UNHCR Cyprus, along with a mutual commitment to continue joint initiatives at local and national level.
