Canada Leverages Cyprus Expertise in Women Migrant Support Amid Global Displacement Crisis

Canada is utilizing insights from Cyprus to enhance support for women migrants and children amidst global displacement. This bilateral cooperation stems from Cyprus' experience in handling evacuations from conflict zones. Ambassador Jacqueline O'Neill emphasized the importance of tailored solutions and women's involvement in peace efforts.

Canada is drawing on Cyprus' experience in accommodating the needs of women migrants, children, and those fleeing conflict zones amid unprecedented global displacement, according to the Canadian envoy on women, peace, and security.

Canada, along with around a dozen other countries, has signed agreements with Cyprus to temporarily host evacuated citizens from neighboring conflict areas until repatriation. Concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could spread have heightened these efforts.

Cyprus previously assisted in the repatriation of nearly 60,000 third-country nationals from Lebanon in 2006 and evacuees from Sudan last year. Ambassador Jacqueline O'Neill noted that meetings with Cypriot officials provided valuable insights for Canada's future repatriation operations, especially for pregnant women and unaccompanied minors. Both countries must consider specific needs such as appropriate facilities, medical assistance, and separate accommodations for women in transit.

O'Neill highlighted that effective citizen security involves tailored care and ensuring that needs are met during the repatriation process. The Canadian envoy also engaged with Cypriot women's groups advocating for a larger role in resolving Cyprus' longstanding ethnic division. She cited statistics showing that peace agreements are more durable when women are involved in the negotiation process.

O'Neill emphasized that including women brings diverse perspectives and broadens the issues addressed in peace negotiations, enhancing decision-making and outcomes by involving those most affected.

(With inputs from agencies.)