UN warns hunters that hunting is banned in the buffer zone

The UN has warned hunters in Cyprus that hunting in the buffer zone is strictly prohibited. The peacekeepers issued the statement on Saturday, when the hunting season was already underway on the island.

“Any aggressive or dangerous behaviour by hunters towards UN peacekeepers or civilians will be referred by the UN police to the local authorities for prompt and appropriate prosecution,” the statement said.

In July, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that unauthorised hunting with firearms in the buffer zone “continued to occur at a high frequency, despite repeated protests” by UNFICYP — the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus — to the Republic of Cyprus.

In December 2025, the Turkish Cypriot side made counter-claims, saying that, in its view, the Greek Cypriot administration was systematically attempting to extend its authority into the buffer zone through agriculture, hunting, the construction of unauthorised roads and the development of facilities, including universities and shopping centres.

The buffer zone has divided the island since 1974 and is under the control of the UN mission. Economic activity and access to the zone are regulated by UNFICYP, while violations are recorded by the UN police.