Cyprus

(asked on 4th November 2014) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 21 October (HL2010), what ongoing assessment they have made of the status of, and variations in, the human rights of Turkish-Cypriots since the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.


This question was answered on 17th November 2014

We maintain an interest in the human rights situation in Cyprus. Especially since the start of intercommunal tensions, the human rights of Cypriots of both communities have been affected. With regards to Turkish Cypriots, at Cyprus’ recent Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK suggested that measures should be taken to enable them to participate effectively in cultural, social and economic life and public affairs. We recognise that the political situation has also given rise to human rights challenges for Greek Cypriots and for religious minorities on the island.

The most recent “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the question of human rights in Cyprus” highlights a number of positive developments, as well as ongoing concerns. The UN notes that the persisting division of the island remains an obstacle to the full enjoyment of human rights by all Cypriots. The report concludes that the human rights situation in Cyprus would be greatly improved by the achievement of a comprehensive settlement. The Government shares this assessment.

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