In the wake of the fatal shipwreck off Cape Greco, the government was on Tuesday blasted for failing to address the underlying issues of the ongoing migration crisis.

At least seven people among the over 20 reported to have been on the boat have died.

This led Akel and Volt to call for urgent reforms to migration policies and a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“Our hope is that those missing from the shipwreck will be found alive and rescued,” Akel said, expressing profound sorrow for the lives lost and calling for an immediate inquiry.

“Compliance with international law and relevant international conventions is not only a moral but also a legal obligation of the Republic of Cyprus,” it added.

The party linked the tragedy to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.

“The mass massacres by the jihadists against Christians, Alawites, and other populations in Syria and Lebanon, and the resumption of Israeli bombing in Gaza, are creating new waves of refugees in our region,” Akel said.

The party urged the EU to show greater solidarity in addressing the issue.

“This tragedy could and should have been avoided. Seven people lost their lives and another eleven are missing, trying to escape the dangers in their own countries. The government must take responsibility,” Volt spokesman Pieros Koroullas said.

The party pointed to the stark contrast between the government’s recent statements and the reality of the situation on the ground, slamming the deputy minister of migration’s remarks just hours before the tragedy, in which he optimistically spoke about the “solution” to the migration issue.

The party argued that such statements were completely disconnected from the reality faced by migrants and refugees.

Volt Cyprus also called for an immediate halt to policies like the forced return of asylum seekers, and stressed the importance of respecting international human rights standards.

“This tragedy is a reminder that the government not only fails to protect human life but also appears unwilling to respect the fundamental rights of these people,” Volt’s spokesman concluded.