The Aradippou Municipal Council unanimously decided yesterday, Monday to express its opposition to the proposed establishment of a facility to house unaccompanied minors of migrant origin in the heart of the municipality, citing “a lack of consultation, information, and documentation,” while clarifying that its position is not directed against the minors but against the process that was followed.

In a related announcement, the Municipality of Aradippou states that the Municipal Council convened yesterday for an emergency session to discuss the proposed establishment of a shelter for unaccompanied minorsof migrant origin in an existing residence, located in the heart of the municipality, in the immediate vicinity of a municipal school, a public kindergarten, and a private kindergarten.

“The City Council clarifies that its position does not concern the unaccompanied minors themselves, nor does it question the State’s obligation to ensure their protection and well-being. The disagreement concerns exclusively the manner in which this specific decision is being pushed through,” the statement adds.

It goes on to state that, to date, “there has been no institutional consultation or cooperation with local government,” and the municipality was neither informed nor invited to express its views before the decision was made. Furthermore, it adds, no public consultation was held with the residents directly affected, despite the strong reactions that have already been expressed, and no study was presented to substantiate the suitability of the specific location.

According to the statement, “serious questions remain as to whether all required procedures have been followed and the necessary approvals for the change of use of the residence have been secured.”

The City Council believes that “decisions with such significant social and local implications cannot be made without transparency, documentation, respect for institutions, and meaningful dialogue with local government and the local community.”

“For the above reasons, the Municipal Council unanimously decided to express its opposition to the proposed creation of this facility in the Municipality of Aradippou,” the statement concludes.

Source: CNA