Geneva, Switzerland. Cyprus Law Commissioner Sofia Kleopa Hadjikyriakou told a United Nations committee that Cyprus has made significant progress over the past decade in tackling racial discrimination. The remarks came during a review in which experts also raised concerns over hate speech and movement restrictions.
Report on implementation of anti-discrimination convention
Presenting a report on Cyprus’ implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Hadjikyriakou said Cyprus attaches “particular importance” to the convention and, since 2016, has made “important progress” through national action plans, policies and legislative reforms aimed at combating racial discrimination.
She added that the government cannot ensure implementation of the convention in areas not under its control.
Concerns over hate speech and monitoring
Committee members said racist hate speech remains widespread in Cyprus, referring to incidents targeting black individuals, including football players. Experts asked what progress had been made in adopting legislation and monitoring mechanisms to address such speech.
Citizenship ruling and equal treatment
UN experts referred to a recent ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus, which rejected an appeal concerning the denial of citizenship to a person born in Cyprus in 1978 to a Turkish Cypriot mother and a Turkish father. They linked the issue to broader concerns about equal treatment and asked what measures were being taken to ensure non-discrimination between individuals living in the government-controlled areas and those in the north.
The Cypriot delegation said citizenship applications are examined within the framework of the Republic’s laws, with restrictions only applying in cases of illegal entry or stay of a foreign parent.
Committee mandate and next steps
In concluding remarks, Hadjikyriakou reaffirmed Cyprus’ “strong will and commitment” to effectively implement the convention and to continue strengthening measures to prevent and combat racial discrimination.
The committee, composed of 18 independent experts, monitors how states implement the convention and conducts periodic reviews through public dialogues in Geneva.
What measures would you like to see introduced to address racist hate speech and discrimination?
