Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will transfer coordination of human trafficking cases from the deputy migration ministry to the justice ministry following discussion in the House human rights committee. The move comes after a Channel 4 video highlighted sexual harassment of British women seeking work in Ayia Napa.
Committee findings and planned transfer
The issue was discussed on Monday by the House human rights committee, which identified shortcomings in the handling of human trafficking cases.
MP Irene Charalambides said she had been in contact with the justice minister after the video was released. She said minister Costas Fitiris acknowledged human trafficking as an organised crime issue and expressed willingness for cases to be handled by his ministry.
Disy MP Rita Superman said she had prepared a bill to transfer human trafficking cases as soon as possible to the justice ministry, in cooperation with the deputy migration ministry.
Charalambides said she believed the decision would open a new era on the issue of human trafficking. She added that political will was necessary and that the justice ministry needed appropriate staffing for the best results. Charalambides also said all those involved should be reactivated, including NGOs.
Deputy migration minister comments
Deputy Migration Minister Nikolas Ioannides said the Constitution included a special section on human trafficking and that Cyprus had human rights at its core.
Ioannides said human trafficking was initially the responsibility of the interior ministry and that last year there were discussions about whether it should be transferred to the justice ministry, but that responsibility was by law that of the deputy migration ministry.
What changes do you expect from moving coordination of human trafficking cases to the justice ministry?