29/05/2026
Statement on the Death of a Migrant During an Immigration Operation in Larnaca.
Generation for Change CY expresses its deep sorrow and concern following the death of a Congolese man during an immigration enforcement operation conducted in Larnaca on 28 May 2026.
According to publicly available information, three men fell from a residential building during an operation targeting undocumented migrants. One of the men later died from his injuries, while two others remain hospitalized. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the deceased, the injured individuals, their families, and the broader community shaken by this loss.
The loss of life raises serious concerns that warrant a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation. Such an investigation should establish a clear factual record of events, including the circumstances of the operation, the interaction between law enforcement officers and the individuals involved, and whether all relevant safeguards and procedures were followed.
This incident cannot be viewed in isolation. It follows a similar tragedy in Limassol in 2024, when 24-year-old Bangladeshi national Anisur Rahman lost his life after falling from a building during an immigration enforcement operation. The recurrence of such incidents raises important questions about the consequences of current immigration enforcement practices for individuals living under precarious legal and social conditions.
Many migrants, refugees, and people living with precarious legal status in Cyprus have repeatedly reported experiencing fear, anxiety, and insecurity in relation to immigration enforcement operations, document checks, and police controls. Regardless of a person's residency status, all individuals are entitled to dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law.
European and international human rights standards require that immigration enforcement activities, identity checks, and policing actions be based on objective and individualized grounds rather than race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, language, skin color, or perceived migrant status. These standards further require that enforcement measures be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and implemented in a manner that respects human dignity and the principle of non-discrimination.
The repeated concentration of immigration enforcement activities within racialized migrant communities, combined with recurring reports of fear associated with document checks and enforcement operations, has contributed to a climate of fear and mistrust among many migrants and refugees. This reality highlights the importance of strong safeguards, transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that enforcement actions are carried out fairly, safely, and in full compliance with human rights standards.
Generation for Change CY calls for:
1. A prompt, thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the death and injuries that occurred during the operation in Larnaca, with public disclosure of its findings and recommendations.
2. A review of immigration enforcement practices and operational procedures to ensure that they adequately protect life, safety, dignity, and fundamental rights.
3. Measures to prevent ethnic or racial profiling and to ensure that identity checks and enforcement activities are based on objective and individualized grounds.
4. Meaningful dialogue between public authorities, migrant communities, civil society organizations, and human rights institutions to address growing concerns regarding fear, trust, and the impact of immigration enforcement practices on affected communities.
The death of any person during or in connection with a state operation must be treated with the utmost seriousness. It should serve as a moment for reflection, accountability, and action to ensure that human rights, dignity, and the protection of life remain at the center of all public policies and enforcement practices.
Generation for Change CY stands in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy and reiterates its commitment to promoting a Cyprus where human rights, equality, dignity, and justice are upheld for all.
For further information:
Generation for Change CY
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.generationforchangecy.org
Link to the statement: https://generationforchangecy.org/statement-on-the-death-of-a-migrant-during-an-immigration-operation-in-larnaca/
