Cyprus has been a divided island since 1974 – between the Greek south and the Turkish north is the so-called “buffer zone”, which is controlled by UN blue helmet soldiers.

When some people were forced back from the south by illegal pushbacks, they were stranded in this no man’s land. Some of them didn’t even have water for themselves and their children. Now the UN blue helmets are helping them and providing them with the bare necessities; they are housed in simple tents and there is virtually no infrastructure. No one knows how long they will be stuck in no man’s land and whether they will be granted asylum status at all in the end.

We were able to present a clown show for these people and offer two mobile painting rooms. During these events, we were able to experience very special encounters with these people: We were struck by their warmth and great gratitude that we were there especially for them and gave them attention. Because these people stranded in no man’s land often feel forgotten by the world.