Approximately 30 asylum seekers are currently stranded in the buffer zone between Turkish-occupied north Cyprus and the internationally recognized south. The Cypriot authorities are cracking down on undocumented migration, leading to the migrants' predicament. President Christodoulides stated that while humanitarian aid would be provided, the migrants would not be allowed to enter the south, fearing it would establish a new illegal migration route. The European Commission, however, emphasized member states' obligation to consider asylum requests, even in the buffer zone. The migrants, including children, are enduring harsh conditions and require urgent assistance. The freezing of asylum processing for Syrians and increased border patrols have contributed to the current situation. The United Nations refugee agency is urging the Cypriot authorities to grant asylum to the stranded migrants.