Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Commend Cyprus’ Spending on Education, Raise Questions on Handling of Refugee Applications and the Recognition of Diplomas Issued by Turkish Cypriot Authorities
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the seventh periodic report of Cyprus, with Committee Experts commending the State on its spending on education, while raising questions on how the State handled applications for refugee status and the recognition of diplomas issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities.
Mikel Mancisidor, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, noted with satisfaction that what Cyprus was spending on education was comparable or sometimes higher than other European countries, which was very positive.
Santiago Fiorio, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, asked how many migrants had applied for refugee status in the last five years and how many people had benefited from the status? For cases where the State decided not to grant refugee status to applicants, what were concrete examples of the main grounds for refusal? What specific measures had been taken by the State to ensure the integration of persons who had been granted refugee status into society? Did these individuals have the ability to obtain work permits, as well as temporary or permanent residence?
Concerning the issue of recognition of diplomas issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities, Mr. Mancisidor said the Committee had received information that there was difficulty in recognising those diplomas in Cyprus. What had been done to try and streamline these proceedings? How could the system become more flexible in advancing the right to education for people who had gone through the education system in the occupied part of Cyprus? The Committee urged Cyprus to show some flexibility, to facilitate the enjoyment of the right to education for the students who had been educated in the occupied part of Cyprus.
The delegation said asylum seekers were eligible to access certain sectors in the labour market nine months after presenting their application for protection. Asylum applications were examined within a maximum period of three to six months. Once a person was granted refugee status, they gained unlimited access to the labour market. In 2023 and up to August, the State had received more than 5,000 asylum applications. There had been more than 4,000 negative decisions and more than 1,000 positive decisions granting refugee status.
The delegation said the so-called universities operating in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation were unlawfully operating bodies, since they were not operating under the Cypriot laws on education. They operated under the purported law of the so-called Turkish Republic of Cyprus, which was an illegal entity. Therefore, the qualifications they awarded were not recognised. Cyprus did not discriminate against Turkish Cypriot graduates in anyway; the competent authorities for recognising university authorities abided by the European Union and national standards legislation.
Louiza Christodoulidou-Zannetou, Law Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus and head of the delegation, presenting the report, said economic, social and cultural rights were integral to the Cypriot legal system and the State was committed to upholding and advancing the rights enshrined in the Covenant. The major impediment in ensuring the effective protection and promotion of human rights throughout Cyprus was the 50-year long de facto division of the country. People living on either side of the ceasefire line continued to suffer from the gross human rights violations caused by the 1974 military invasion and continuing military occupation.
In closing remarks, Mr. Fiorio thanked the delegation for the quality of the answers that were provided, which had been sufficient and relevant. He thanked all those who had made the constructive dialogue possible.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Christodoulidou-Zannetou thanked the Committee for the opportunity to discuss the steps taken by Cyprus towards the implementation of the Covenant. Cyprus remained committed to fulfilling the economic, social and cultural rights of everyone.
The delegation of Cyprus consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance; the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth; the Ministry of Health; the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment; the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection; the Office of the Law Commissioner; and the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. today, Wednesday 18 September, to begin its consideration of the initial report of Malawi (E/C.12/MWI/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of Cyprus (E/C.12/CYP/7).
Presentation of Report
LOUIZA CHRISTODOULIDOU-ZANNETOU, Law Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus and head of the delegation, said economic, social and cultural rights were integral to the Cypriot legal system and the State was committed to upholding and advancing the rights enshrined in the Covenant. The major impediment in ensuring the effective protection and promotion of human rights throughout Cyprus was the 50-year long de facto division of the country. People living on either side of the ceasefire line continued to suffer from the gross human rights violations caused by the 1974 military invasion and continuing military occupation. As a result, the Government was not in a position to apply and ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Covenant in the whole of its territory, but only in the areas where the Government exercised full and effective control.
Cyprus had made considerable progress in strengthening its national human rights institution, the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights. In October 2022, the institution was accredited with A status, in full compliance with the Paris Principles. In July 2021, the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare in Cyprus marked a significant step towards further strengthening its commitment to economic, social and cultural rights. In July 2022, the Deputy Ministry of Culture was established by law, underscoring the vital importance and value of cultural rights in Cyprus. More recently, in June 2024, the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection was established by law, with the aim to formulate and implement a comprehensive strategy on asylum and migration management and to ensure the effective access of migrants, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection to essential services.
In July 2024, the law on the Commissioner for Gender Equality was enacted to strengthen and ensure equal rights for women, men, boys, and girls; to provide equal visibility, access to opportunities, and participation in all areas of public and private life; and to ensure equal access to and distribution of resources between women and men. During the last few years, several national action plans, strategies and policies had been developed to address gender equality issues, including the National Strategy on Gender Equality 2024-2026. The National Minimum Wage was introduced in 2023 and was subsequently increased in 2024, greatly benefitting many low-income workers. The 2024-2026 Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth ensured that all pupils had access to learning opportunities by implementing educational policies that embodied the values of equality, inclusiveness, creativity, and innovation.
Ms. Christodoulidou-Zannetou said Cyprus had signed the Optional Protocol to the Covenant in January 2021, and its ratification was currently underway. The State had also presented its first ever candidature to become a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, the election for which would take place in a few weeks’ time.
Questions by Committee Experts
LAURA-MARIA CRACIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Chair, said it was good news that the Republic of Cyprus was in the process of ratifying the Optional Protocol.
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, said that the Committee recognised that the State did not currently exercise effective control over its entire territory and that the consultations raised would be presented considering this situation. Could the delegation clarify which State bodies had participated in the consultation process for the drafting of the report? Had the report been shared with civil society organizations or national human rights institutions prior to submission?
Was there a mechanism responsible for monitoring and follow-up on the implementation of international human rights recommendations? What measures had the State taken to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Covenant were fully incorporated into its domestic legal order and had constitutional status? What other regulations relevant to the protection of people in vulnerable situations had been adopted?
Cyprus had indicated that awareness-raising and training seminars for prosecutors and lawyers on human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, were organised on a regular basis. What was the number of seminars and their frequency held in the last three years? Could the delegation share figures on recent cases in which Covenant rights had been applied and invoked in domestic courts? What was the status of the procedure for the completion of the process of ratification of the Optional Protocol? What was the State’s position on acceding to the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families?
Would the State consider acceding to the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness? Was there any definition of statelessness in Cypriot law or any procedure that guaranteed access to economic, social and cultural rights? This was pertinent given the large number of migrants arriving in Cyprus who were susceptible to statelessness. What measures did the State take to prevent the statelessness of the children of migrants and refugees born in Cyprus?
How many migrants had applied for refugee status in the last five years and how many people had benefited from the status? For cases where the State decided not to grant refugee status to applicants, what were concrete examples of the main grounds for refusal? What specific measures had been taken by the State to ensure the integration of persons who had been granted refugee status into society? Did these individuals have the ability to obtain work permits, as well as temporary or permanent residence.
The Committee was aware of the existence of the Pournara reception centre for migrants seeking refuge and that this property did not constitute a long-term accommodation facility. However, the Committee had learned that this centre was currently housing around 1,000 people in unsanitary conditions, exposed to situations of violence, and without the ability to find work or the opportunity to integrate into society.
What measures was the State taking to improve standards in reception facilities in terms of infrastructure? Were there guarantees for freedom of movement and provision of essential services? How long did it currently take for an applicant to be granted refugee status? What specific measures did the State offer to promote the integration of these individuals into the Cypriot economy? Given the proportionately high number of refugees and asylum seekers present in Cyprus, had the State requested international cooperation from the United Nations system, or from the European Union? What cooperation activities had been undertaken?
Were there any plans for a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that included a definition of direct and indirect discrimination? The Committee acknowledged the adoption of Cyprus' National Strategic Framework for Roma 2021-2030. What were the specific objectives of the Strategic Framework for the realisation of the economic, social and cultural rights of the Roma? Could examples be provided of activities or preliminary results that had been carried out between 2021 and 2024? How had inflation evolved in Cyprus and what impact had this had on purchasing power in the country?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the provisions of the Covenant were incorporated into Cypriot domestic law, enjoying supremacy over all domestic legislation. Regarding the need to increase awareness on the provisions of the Covenant, Cyprus recognised the significance of this issue, and had been working to address it. Efforts were underway to improve training in this area with the Cypriot Bar Association. The ratification of the Optional Protocol was in progress. The Roma Strategic Framework had been drawn up, in consultation with multiple bodies. The State did not currently plan to sign the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers as this fell within European Union competence.
Asylum seekers were eligible to access certain sectors within the labour market nine months after presenting their application for protection. To provide more substantial access to the labour market for asylum seekers, the procedure had been further simplified. Asylum applications were examined within a maximum period of three to six months. Once a person was granted refugee status, they gained unlimited access to the labour market. Up to August, the State had received more than 5,000 asylum applications. There had been more than 4,000 negative decisions and more than 1,000 positive decisions granting refugee status. The current legal framework stated that an examination for refugee status had to take place within six months. Due to the high influx of migrants received, Cyprus had assigned specific teams to handle asylum claims by nationality.
The Cypriot Government had promoted measures to address inflation and the high cost of living. The Government had extended the electricity subsidy to the end of October. It was estimated that this extension would cover 400,000 households and 100,000 businesses.
The National Integration Plan of Migrants Residing in Cyprus was expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. The Cyprus National Roma Framework was available online.
Gender equality officers were tasked with enhancing collaboration with the State and civil society, promoting gender equality. In local municipalities, baby changing tables had been installed in men’s restrooms, as part of local gender equality promotion plans. The Pournara Emergency Reception Centre was being upgraded in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration. Given increased arrivals in Cyprus, the State was seeking to enhance cooperation with the International Organization of Migration.
The Convention on Statelessness was still under consideration by Cyprus. The 1951 Geneva Convention provided for the situation of statelessness to be taken into determination during a refugee’s application. This aimed to provide protection to persons who did not have a nationality.
Several European Union funds were in place to ensure vulnerable groups were not left behind during the green transition.
Questions by Committee Experts
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, asked about the concept of poverty and extreme poverty which was being adopted by the State? What percentage of the population was at risk of poverty? What had the State identified as the main causes of poverty in Cyprus? Cyprus had not carried out a multi-dimensional poverty assessment thus far; did the State plan to do so? Could the State comment on pardons given to individuals found guilty of corruption? The Committee understood that Cyprus had suffered hugely from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the drop in tourism, which was a main source of income for the country. What steps had been taken by the State to mitigate the impact of previous austerity measures when it came to economic, social and cultural rights? How did the Government integrate existing obligations in the Covenant?
A Committee Expert said according to information received, the State party did not have a plan on business and human rights. Could more information be provided on this? Was the State complying with the Paris Agreement?
Another Expert said Cyprus was contributing a very small amount of emissions compared to the rest of the European Union, but was still significantly impacted by climate change. What did the State expect from the European Union? How would the State deal with weather conditions such as heatwaves? What adaptation policies were being adopted? What did this mean for housing?
A Committee Expert asked if the Government had any type of jurisdiction in the sphere of human rights in areas where it had no effective control?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Cyprus had taken significant steps to address issues of corruption. The Commission on Anti-Corruption was established and the law on whistleblowers came into force in 2022, creating a strong legislative framework that demonstrated the Government’s strong commitment to prevent corruption. The purpose of the law on whistleblowers was to encourage employees to report violations of the law. The law also protected whistleblowers from any retaliatory actions as a result of their report.
As a member of the European Union, Cyprus had committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To fulfil this target, the European Union had adopted the necessary legal framework, in which each European Union State had been allocated with a revised greenhouse gas emissions target. Other measures included targets to increase renewable energy sources, including in the heating and transportation sector.
Since 2022, targeted inspections on equal pay legislation were taking place, focusing on economic activities with high gender pay gap rates. To achieve gender equality in the labour market, women’s employment through all stages of their lives needed to be safeguarded. The Government was looking at the possibility of introducing legislation on wage efficiency in the future.
Enhancing women’s representation in decision-making stood at the forefront of policy debates in Cyprus. Women had been appointed to 40 per cent of positions of public and legal entities.
Asylum seekers had access to the labour market after nine months from the day they lodged their asylum application. They were allowed to work in specific sectors. The average timeframe for including an asylum application was around six months. Each case was examined on its individual merits.
The peace process in Cyprus was communal in nature, between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots; the Government was not involved.
Questions by Committee Experts
MOHAMED ABDEL-MONEIM, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, said Cyprus had struggled for a long time for its independence. He thanked Cyprus for the efforts exerted in the current report, including the statistics provided on unemployment and the labour participation rate. This showed progress. Was the minimum wage adjusted to the consumer price index? Was a person entitled to a pension for a lifetime, if they had paid the 780 weeks mandatory insurance?
After the struggle for independence, the agreement with the United Kingdom was signed. In the Constitution, there was a provision on two sovereign base areas; were the people who worked there under the jurisdiction of the Government of Cyprus or were they under foreign jurisdiction? Who took care of any disputes? Was it Cyprus? How was this handled?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the minimum wage was adjusted to the consumer price index. It was always linked to the purchasing power of the market and unemployment. The statutory minimum wage had benefitted 25,000 low paid workers and was considered a major feat for Cyprus. The statutory pension was for life; as soon as someone gained the right to a full pension at age 65, they maintained it for as long as they lived.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked about unemployment in the country; could information and data about the unemployment of persons with disabilities be provided?
Another Expert said the Committee had received information that there were shortcomings in the various labour laws and decrees and insufficient supervision of labour standards. Domestic workers in Cyprus were often migrants and more vulnerable to exploitation. Could information on this be shared? Would the State adopt measures to tackle anti-unionist behaviour? Did the State have plans to reform the pensions of public servants, making them less generous, to the benefit of the population?
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, said the Committee had received reports around the inconsistency of legislation to guarantee the proper functioning of unions. Could more information be provided?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Cyprus had ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011. A law was adopted in 2009 which regulated the recruitment of persons with disabilities to fill 10 per cent of roles within the public sector. Over the past 10 years, a reorganisation of labour inspection services had been undertaken. Provisions were undertaken for the introduction of administrative fines. A digital platform was launched which would make it easier for employees to register to combat undeclared work. Private premises were not inspected, but there was a complaints resolution mechanism where foreign workers could submit complaints.
There had been plans and actions to redesign the social security system. A project was being carried out with the International Labour Organization aimed at improving the level of social protection. A policy study was being carried out to develop a robust framework for reforming the general insurance system.
Questions by Committee Experts
JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, said according to sources, there was still trafficking in persons in Cyprus, particularly of women and girls. What policies had been implemented and what were their outcomes to date? Had the State adopted a national action plan to tackle the issue of child victims of trafficking? What measures were in place to combat child labour? Another issue of great concern to the Committee was the situation of migrant and asylum-seeking children, particularly those who were unaccompanied. What measures were adopted to ensure that children were housed in appropriate centres and areas with access to basic health care and education? Could information on tailored reintegration plans be provided? Could data be provided on the deadlines to deal with forced returns at the border and avoid any family separation?
The Committee had received information on the concern raised by some of the Cypriot community arising from mixed marriages and the ability to obtain residency. What measures had been put in place to improve birth registration rates to avoid statelessness? On the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee had information indicating high rates of placement in institutions among these children. What was being done to respond to this situation and ensure these children could enjoy their rights?
What were the details and outcomes of legislative instruments and plans to fight gender-based violence? What measures had been adopted to increase geographic coverage of shelters and protection to victims? What programmes were in place for older persons?
Did the social benefits covered by the State cover the amount under the poverty threshold? What percentage of the population did not have adequate housing and which groups were the most affected? What was the access of the Roma population to decent and affordable housing? What was the current percentage of spending on the health care sector? What measures had been adopted to allow asylum seekers to register as general beneficiaries of the health care system? How could Roma register in the health care system? How was it ensured that persons with HIV could have access to the health care system?
What information and support programmes existed to guarantee the right to independent living for persons with psychosocial disabilities? What was the availability and quality of mental health care services? What efforts had been undertaken to prevent and combat substance abuse among teenagers? What was the existing drug policy in the country?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Ministry of Justice and Public Order was responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Covenant, which fell under the human rights section. In June 2021, the first National Strategy for Human Rights was adopted. In November 2015, the Parliament enacted the civil union law, marking a historic decision for Cyprus. The law allowed same sex and opposite sex couples to enter into a union and provided them with rights similar to marriage. A proposal would be submitted on the first National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Intersex Persons’ Rights in Cyprus.
The Supreme Court of Cyprus had ruled that it was constitutional to provide multiple pensions to public officials. The Government was carefully reviewing pension frameworks. Cypriot employees working in British bases were governed by the laws of the British bases. The Government planned to take an age inclusive approach to boost young people’s participation in the labour market, as well as ensuring women’s participation in the labour market through further access to childcare.
In February 2023, a memorandum was signed between the Police and the Labour Inspector’s Office, focusing on human trafficking issues. Between 2020 and 2023, 82 people had been identified as victims of trafficking, with 22 people convicted of trafficking offences. Although there was no specific national action plan concerning child victims of human trafficking, provisions concerning children were included in national law, focusing on the protection of children from exploitation and sexual abuse.
Due to the continued increase in flows of unaccompanied minors in Cyprus, programmes had been developed for the care of unaccompanied minors. About 60 per cent of unaccompanied minors were currently placed in the programme. Upon the arrival of an unaccompanied minor over the age of 15, they were transferred to the Pounera centre and were placed in the safe zones.
The law on femicide had already been applied in Cyprus but there had been no convictions so far under this law. In 2023, 1,250 cases of domestic violence were registered by the police. Women victims of violence were entitled to services and support.
Since 2019, a universal health coverage system had been implemented in Cyprus, covering the entire population. This system promoted equal access to high quality health care. The financing model of this system aimed to reduce out of pocket expenses, and it was mainly funded by employees and the State, ensuring low access groups could access health care without prohibitive costs. After the implementation of the universal health coverage system, there was a dramatic decrease in private healthcare expenditure, dropping from around 50 per cent to 12 per cent.
Special attention was given to vulnerable and marginalised populations. Asylum seekers in Cyprus were entitled to access the public healthcare system. Additionally, as a signatory of the Istanbul Convention, Cyprus ensured healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including asylum-seeking minors and pregnant women. Furthermore, Roma individuals who were legally residing in Cyprus, either as European Union citizens or third-country nationals with legal status, were entitled to full access to healthcare under the universal health coverage system.
A specialised clinic provided a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. These services were part of the public health care system. Abortion was legalised in Cyprus in 2018, under certain conditions. One of the goals of the Department of Mental Health Services in Cyprus was a transition to community-based structures. Community professionals provided home care services for mental health.
Cyprus was implementing a comprehensive strategy which addressed addiction through a multi-pillar approach, including a harm reduction strategy. The first harm reduction mobile unit was launched in 2020. To combat the rise in drug related activities, Cyprus had passed legislation which provided for harsher penalties for those who were caught dealing drugs near schools. Furthermore, as part of the prevention of substance use, various programmes were provided in school settings.
If a child acquired the nationality of a parent who was a beneficiary of international protection, they would receive the same benefits. The children of European citizens could obtain a resident’s permit as citizens of the European Union. The law on family reunification aimed to allow persons to reunite with their families residing in Cyprus, under certain conditions. Refugees had the right to family reunification under the law.
Questions by Committee Experts
JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, asked how the State party was tackling the issue of homeless people. What were the key problems of the housing market? What medical services did migrants in Cyprus have access to? The HIV statistics in Cyprus had increased in the last decade, which could indicate that current policies were not sufficient. Could more information on this be provided? The Government had said that agriculture needed to change to respond to climate change. What was the response of farmers to this issue? How was Cyprus ensuring that farmers supported this transition? How was fishing in Cyprus being impacted by climate change?
A Committee Expert asked for updated levels on four key security benefits in relation to the poverty threshold? What steps had the State party taken to ensure the amount of social security benefits were adequate for a decent standard of living?
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, asked what safeguards were in place to ensure the safety of private property, with a view to ensure the private property of minorities, including Turkish Cypriots? There was a relatively high level of consumption of tobacco in the State. What was being done to reduce this? There was a gender gap in terms of health indicators and life expectancy, with women having a lower life expectancy than men. Could the delegation provide more information on this matter? What efforts were being made to promote women’s quality of life?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said banks in Cyprus did not accept an address which was located in the occupied territories and was not under the control of Cyprus. There was no guarantee that Turkish and Greek Cypriots living in the occupied territories could open bank accounts in Cyprus. Those who worked or had resident permits were eligible to enrol in the Cyprus health care service, provided they contributed to the national insurance, the same as citizens. Undocumented migrants had access only to emergency medical care. Educational sessions in schools focused on HIV/AIDS.
A National Adaptation Strategy for Climate Change had been prepared and was consistently being evaluated. All sectors, including farming and fishing, were involved. Key measures relating to agriculture and fishing included improving the efficiency of water in irrigation and adopting a more advanced irrigation system, among others.
In 2022, there were more diagnoses of HIV, which was mainly due to population flows. However, data for 2023 and 2024 showed a decrease, due to lower migration flows.
The government had applied measures to deal with tobacco consumption, including enforcing stricter tobacco control laws, prohibiting the advertising of tobacco products, and forbidding smoking in indoor public places. It was mandatory to place warning signs on tobacco products that they caused harm to heath. Taxation was also used as a deterrent. In addition, the Cyprus National Addictions Authority supported smoking cessation programmes, especially among youth.
Asylum seekers in Cyprus were entitled to access the public healthcare system, including essential medical care, emergency services, and preventive care.
In 2022, statistics showed that the expectancy of life for women was higher compared to men and these statistics could be shared with the Committee.
Questions by Committee Experts
MIKEL MANCISIDOR, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, noted with satisfaction that what Cyprus was spending on education was comparable or sometimes higher than other European countries, which was very positive. However, the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment were unfortunately below average and had fallen in recent years. What was the reason for the drop in ranking? What was being done to reverse this situation?
Concerning the issue of recognition of diplomas issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities, the Committee had received information that there was difficulty in recognising those diplomas in Cyprus. What had been done to try and streamline these proceedings? How were the linguistic rights of Turkish minorities respected within the public education system? What was the situation for Armenian and Arabic languages? How was human rights education provided in the formal education system? How was non-discriminatory access guaranteed to heritage and its exercise?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the so-called universities operating in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation were unlawfully operating bodies, since they were not operating under the Cypriot laws on education. They operated under the purported law of the so-called Turkish Republic of Cyprus, which was an illegal entity. Therefore, the qualifications they awarded were not recognised.
The Ministry of Education was currently developing a more modern and less syllabus-oriented school. Through the education system, the aim was to increase access to education and modernise teachers’ techniques. Interdisciplinary learning was being expanded and the number of all-day schools was being increased. The new regulations for the functioning of primary schools aimed to improve school functioning and the efficiency of the education system. Digital skills were also integrated into the curricula. It was hoped that with these measures, the ranking of results would improve. Evening schools addressed the phenomenon of early school leaving and provided learners with a chance to improve their skills.
Turkish Cypriots could attend schools of their choice. The Roma of Cyprus were deemed to be members of the Turkish Cypriot community. Pupils were offered opportunities to learn Greek as a foreign language. Human rights education was included in the curriculum. The law for compulsory attendance and provision of free education ensured that all children in Cyprus were entitled to free and compulsory education from the age of four years up to 15 years. The National Strategy for Disability defined the objectives for Cyprus to ensure the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The State aimed to work towards a transition to inclusive education, the first steps of which would begin in September.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture was established in 2022. A primary concern of the department was the upgrading of museums, as well as the preservation of cultural sites. In a regional meeting, the Ministers of Culture reaffirmed their commitment to upholding cultural rights. Nine countries, including Cyprus, had pledged to work together to place cultural rights at the centre of cultural discussions, including on arts, heritage, and women’s rights, among other issues. Special attention was given to the cultural rights of marginalised and vulnerable groups, including minorities, indigenous peoples, and refugees, among other people. Many cultural and religious sites had been restored in recent years. Cyprus took a leading role in promoting the preservation of cultural heritage through a human rights angle, and sponsored a resolution in the Human Rights Council to that effect.
Several topics were included in human rights trainings for police officers, including enforcement of human rights by law enforcement agencies, the prohibition of torture, racial discrimination, combatting xenophobia, trafficking in human beings, and police ethics and corruption, among others.
Questions by Committee Experts
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, asked what was being done to ensure the academic freedom of teachers? What was the average salary of teachers in Cyprus? Were teachers’ salaries competitive?
MOHAMED ABDEL-MONEIM, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, said the effects of global warming were devastating for Cyprus and the entire Mediterranean. Mediterranean fisheries were already very poor compared to other seas and this would affect additional resources.
A Committee Expert said Cyprus still criminalised personal use of drugs, with the most frequent type being cannabis. Was the State in the process of making a revision or reform to their drug policy? Would more harm reduction methods be provided for preventing HIV prevalence?
MIKEL MANCISIDOR, Committee Expert and Cluster Leader, congratulated the delegation on the high quality of their responses which had reached the heart of the questions asked. The Committee welcomed the insistence of the delegation on the importance of preschool education. The Committee could not adopt a position with respect to the qualities of universities which had been established in the occupied part of Cyprus, nor were they there to pass judgement of a political nature on the situation of those universities. The Committee could, however, take interest in the enjoyment of rights by students who had gone through that system. How could the system become more flexible in advancing the right to education for people who had gone through that system in the occupied part of Cyprus? The Committee urged Cyprus to show some flexibility, to facilitate the enjoyment of the right to education for the students who had been educated in the occupied part of Cyprus.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there were no cases where the European Union and the Member States legislated in a manner that came into conflict with the Covenant. Turkish Cypriots were regulated by legislation in Cyprus, with the aim of protecting them. The delegation noted that the legislation governing Turkish Cypriots had been brought before the courts, where no violation of the Constitution was found. Turkish Cypriots were not a minority, according to the Constitution.
Cyprus focused on the prevention and combatting of substance abuse through several measures. For the use of tobacco, Cyprus enforced stricter tobacco-controlled laws. Smoking was forbidden in public places, and it was mandatory to place warning signs on tobacco products. Harm reduction measures included needle exchange programmes, among others. A law allowed the use of cannabis for medical purposes in some cases, but only after approval from the Minister of Health.
A national strategy had been established regarding the sexual and reproductive health of young people. It provided information on family planning. The key action pillars of the strategy included action plans on sexually transmitted diseases. Also, educational sessions in schools focused on HIV/AIDS.
Climate change affected many sectors, with the agriculture sector being one of the worst affected. Fisheries were affected, particularly fish stocks, fishing equipment, and the livelihoods of fisherman. The assessment of the effects of climate change on the fishing sector of Cyprus highlighted the priority to address these concerns.
An annual budget of 10 million euros provided targeted support to cultural activities and opened up new opportunities in the area of literature, dance, theatre and cinema, among others. The programme aimed to cover and respond to the full range of culturally active agencies. There was no strategic focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills through cultural activities; this was instead acquired experientially. An event held at school provided pupils with the opportunity to enhance entrepreneurial skills while addressing challenges in the cultural sector. Discussions were underway for introducing a new evaluation scheme for teachers. In the last few years, there had been an increase in the enrolment of students in private schools. Efforts were being made to empower the public education system through learning outcomes.
Cyprus did not discriminate against Turkish-Cypriot graduates in anyway; the competent authorities for recognising university degrees abided by the European Union and national standards legislation.
Concluding Remarks
SANTIAGO FIORIO, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Cyprus, thanked the delegation for the quality of the answers provided, which had been sufficient and relevant. Mr. Fiorio thanked all those who had made the constructive dialogue possible. He wished every success to Cyprus in its implementation of the recommendations.
LOUIZA CHRISTODOULIDOU-ZANNETOU, Law Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the opportunity to discuss the steps taken by Cyprus towards the implementation of the Covenant. Cyprus remained committed to fulfilling the economic, social and cultural rights of everyone. The Committee’s insights and recommendations would guide the State in overcoming challenges and taking steps to improve the effective implementation of the rights enshrined in the Covenant.
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