UN refugee convention and British territory in Cyprus

A group of refugees from the Middle East and North Africa are living on the British territories in Cyprus used to house RAF bases. They claim that the UN Refugee Convention applies to these territories and that this means they can come to the UK to live. The refugees’ claim was rejected last year by the High Court, which upheld in principle the Home Secretary’s decision that their needs should be met under arrangements with the neighbouring Republic of Cyprus.

In the latest chapter of this case, the Court of Appeal has now ruled that the Refugee Convention does apply, and has ordered the Home Secretary to reconsider her position. The Home Secretary is seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling on this important and novel question of public international law. Thomas Roe QC is leading counsel for the Home Secretary.

Please click here to read the judgment of the case.