On 2nd December 2024, the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA) embarked on an insightful visit to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) at their headquarters located in Nicosia International Airport. This visit offered a unique opportunity to learn about the UNFICYP mandate and its critical role in maintaining peace on the island of Cyprus. EMA's delegation included Ruturaj Trivedi (EMA Vice President), Dr Collins Santhanasamy (Partnership Development Unit Director), Razy Aman Eddine (Legal & Internal Affairs Unit Director), Marvi Qazi (Project Support Unit Director), and Shahin S. Eity (Policy and Quality Assurance Unit Director).
Nestled within the buffer zone on the western edge of Nicosia, the Nicosia International Airport remains eerily preserved as it was on August 16, 1974. Declared a United Nations Protected Area (UNPA), the abandoned hangars and runways are silent reminders of when Cyprus witnessed profound turmoil.
The UNFICYP was established in 1964 and is one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions with the primary role of preventing further conflict. Its mandate expanded in 1974 following a de facto ceasefire, leading to the iconic ‘Green Line’ – a 180 km-long buffer zone that divides the island. In certain parts of old Nicosia, the Green Line is merely a few meters wide, while in other regions, it spans several kilometres. With almost 1,100 personnel, The UNFICYP tirelessly supervises the ceasefire lines, offers humanitarian aid, and facilitates the peaceful use of the buffer zone. Whether by vehicle patrols, foot patrols, bicycles, or helicopter surveillance, UNFICYP remains ever-vigilant. A highly mobile unit, the Mission’s work is based on four components that work together closely: the military, the UN Police (UNPOL), the Civil Affairs Branch and the Administration, always ready to respond to emergencies within the zone.
Since its inception, the UNFICYP has served as a lifeline for communities on both sides of the divide. Civilian activities within the buffer zone, including agriculture, infrastructure maintenance, and residential construction, are facilitated where possible to restore a sense of normalcy. This year, the mission proudly commemorates 60 years of peacekeeping service with events honouring those who have contributed to the cause. Notably, Canada was the first Troop Contributing Country, with its peacekeepers arriving on 15th March 1964. They were soon joined by troops from Finland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Where possible, UNFICYP facilitates civilian use of the buffer zone for peaceful purposes, such as agricultural work, maintenance of public utilities and communications, and the construction of commercial and residential buildings. This year, the Mission marked 60 years in service of peace in Cyprus with a series of events organised to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to the peacekeeping efforts on the island. Canada was the first Troop Contributing Country to deploy peacekeepers on the island. The first contingent arrived on 15 March 1964, followed by troops from Finland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in the following months.
The UNFICYP maintains peace and builds bridges between communities. Its Civil Affairs Section plays a pivotal role by engaging with young Cypriots and facilitating discussions on pressing issues like climate change and environmental sustainability. Collaborating with other UN agencies such as UNHCR and various NGOs, these initiatives aim to foster greater understanding and trust among the youth, paving the way for a peaceful and inclusive future.
EMA’s Visit: A Symbol of Collaboration
The visit culminated with a meaningful exchange and EMA presented a signed copy of its official publication for 2024, “Mundus Erasmians”, to the UNFICYP Visits & Protocol Officers. This publication, featuring contributions from over 60 authors across the Erasmus Mundus community, amplifies EMA’s core message of peace through transnational learning and multicultural education. As Razy Aman Eddine eloquently expressed, “Mundus Erasmians” conveys EMA’s vision of a connected world where peace is achieved through knowledge and mutual respect.
The visit, an initiative led by the Non-Profit and Grants Subunit of EMA’s Partnership Development Unit (PDU), reflects EMA’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and contributing to peace-building initiatives, for more information on EMA partnerships and collaborations, contact partnership@em-a.eu.
The visit to UNFICYP deepened EMA’s understanding of peacekeeping efforts and reinforced the shared belief that education, dialogue, and cooperation are powerful tools for global peace. Together we can build a future where borders dissolve, and communities thrive.
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