Nicosia, Cyprus. The interior ministry on Wednesday defended the removal of parents’ names from Cyprus’ new biometric identity cards, citing recommendations from the commissioner for the protection of children’s rights, previous political support, European practice and international standards.
The ministry said it was willing to discuss the matter with stakeholders if parliamentary parties had changed their positions and, if feasible, consider revising the current contract for identity cards and passports.
Children’s rights concerns
The ministry said the issue was first raised in 2012 by the commissioner for the protection of children’s rights. The commissioner had argued that showing a dash instead of a father’s name for children of unknown paternity or those of single mothers constituted discrimination and stigmatisation.
Previous parliamentary discussions
The matter was discussed by the House human rights committee in 2020 and 2022, the ministry said. A majority of MPs and political parties at the time, including Disy, supported removing parents’ names from identity cards.
Parliament encouraged the ministry to examine the proposal, according to the statement. However, the measure could not be introduced in 2022 because of restrictions in the existing contract for issuing identity cards and passports.
The issue was considered during preparations for the new contract, which entered into force in 2025.
European and international standards
The ministry said most European Union member states do not include parents’ names on identity cards. It added that the decision was consistent with EU Regulation 2025/1208 and International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, neither of which requires parents’ names on identity documents.
“The identity card is a document used to identify its holder,” the ministry said, adding that it should include only the personal information necessary for that purpose.
It also noted that parents’ names do not appear on Cypriot passports and that birth certificates remain the official documents establishing parentage.
Proposed legislation
The statement followed announcements by Disy and Elam that they intend to table separate bills to reverse the decision.
Disy has proposed allowing citizens to choose whether their parents’ names appear on identity cards. Elam is seeking to make the inclusion of both parents’ names mandatory.
