Kofinou a ‘model reception centre’ for migrants

Cyprus’ exposure to the public over its handling of migrants has not been flattering. Accusations over pushbacks, violence and unhygienic living conditions have been documented in numerous reports from organisations such as the EU, UN and Human Rights Watch.

It was therefore a surprise – to say the least – when a visit at the Kofinou reception centre painted a starkly different picture. New facilities, staff invested in people’s stories and migrants who said they were relatively happy.