3204th Meeting, 117th Session, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

Good morning. Welcome back. I declare open the 3204th meeting of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Today we will continue with the consideration of the 25th periodic report of the Republic of Cyprus.

I warmly welcome again the delegation of Cyprus led by Her Excellency Madame Hadjikyriakou, Law Commissioner of the Republic. The Committee looks forward to continuing our constructive dialogue. Today we will focus again on the following themes in two segments: segment three, continuing from tomorrow, the situation of non-citizens, including stateless persons, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers; segment four, situation of ethnic minorities. Without further delay, I will give the floor now to the Rapporteur, Madame Shepherd, for her question for the segment three. Madame Shepherd, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Kalimera. I just learned that. Let me add my own welcome back to day two of the dialogue to the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Cyprus. And I start with one sub-theme under the broad theme that the Chair outlined a while ago. So, this is about updated statistics. Your 2019 report provides data on asylum applications and trafficking victims, but does not comprehensively address stateless persons. Under Article 2 of the Convention, states must have reliable data to formulate effective policies to eliminate racial discrimination. Can the State party provide updated statistical information on the number of stateless persons, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the State party, disaggregated by ethnicity, sex or gender, age, and length of stay? Can the State party provide data on applications and decisions for naturalization, disaggregated by ethnic group, sex/gender, and length of stay since 2017?

Regarding the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, your report indicates that internal consultations are underway. What is the timeline for its ratification? And what interim measures are in place to protect the rights of stateless persons under Article 5 of the Convention?

In terms of the National Action Plan, your 2019 report indicates that a new integration action plan for 2020 to 2022 is under development, and an education action plan for pupils with migrant background has been revised following peer counseling. Under Article 5(e)(v) of the Convention, the state must guarantee the right to education and training without discrimination. Has the National Action Plan for the integration of third-country nationals legally residing in Cyprus been revised since 2017? If so, please provide us with key priorities, its key priorities, and how it incorporates the Committee's recommendations. Please provide an update on the action plan for the education of pupils with migrant background for 2019 to 2022, including goals, implementation status, and measurable outcomes.

Turning now to permanent residents from non-European countries. The Committee has previously expressed concern about discrimination against non-citizens, including in employment and social assistance. Under Article 5(e) of the Convention, states should guarantee the rights to housing, public health, and social services without distinction as to national or ethnic origin. Could the State party provide updated information on the situation of permanent residents from non-European countries, including their access to housing, education, healthcare, and basic services? What measures has the State party taken to ensure that permanent residents from non-European countries are not subject to discrimination in access to these rights, and what information exists to demonstrate this?

Turning now to the detention of asylum seekers and migrants. The Committee previously expressed concern about the Kofinou reception center and access to services. Your report describes improvements at Menoyia detention center and states that asylum seekers are no longer detained solely due to rejection of their application. What specific improvements have been made at the Kofinou reception center to address the Committee's concerns about limited facilities and insufficient access to services? And could the State party provide or describe current capacity, staffing, and services available? What alternatives to detention are being used for asylum seekers and irregular migrants? Could you please provide information on the average length of detention for asylum seekers and irregular migrants? And can the State party confirm that no families with children or unaccompanied minors are detained, as stated in the report?

In terms of protection against refoulement, the Committee has previously emphasized the importance of ensuring protection against refoulement. Your 2019 report states that beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status are protected from refoulement and that vulnerability assessment procedures are in place. However, the report does not provide enough data on the implementation of these protections. Are you able to provide us with data on the number of asylum applications rejected and appeals lodged since 2017? Can these data be disaggregated by country of origin and the number of individuals who have been returned to countries where they may face a risk of persecution or serious harm? And can you provide the number of individuals or information about the number of individuals who were granted protection on the basis that return would violate the principle of non-refoulement, disaggregated by country of origin? And what mechanisms are in place to ensure that individuals are not returned to countries where they face a real risk of torture, persecution, or serious harm, in compliance with Article 5(b) of the Convention?

Turning now to human trafficking. Your last report details significant legislative amendments to strengthen the anti-trafficking framework, including increased penalties and criminalization of the use of services of victims. It also provides information on, or it also provides detailed victim data. Of the victims identified in the period 2016 to 2018, totaling 23 in 2017 and 41 in 2018, could you please provide information on the following: the number who received protection and support services; the number whose cases resulted in prosecutions and convictions; the number who received reparations or compensation? And could you please provide any recent information in the last three years, for example, on the number of trafficking victims, their country of origin, and the number of prosecutions and any other information that you have on this issue? And could you please provide the finalized National Action Plan against trafficking in human beings and explain how it addresses the protection and support of victims, including access to housing, healthcare, and legal remedies, in compliance with Article 5 of the Convention? And Chair, I didn't need 20 minutes. So, you have some time, some extra time. Thank you.

Thank you, Madame Shepherd. Well, we have time. So, okay. Then, the head of the delegation tells me that they have also some answers to some of the questions raised yesterday. So let's start with that, and then continue with your questions, and then we will turn to the co-rapporteur eventually. Madame head of delegation, you have the floor for 25 minutes or more.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished members. Since I have the permission of the Chair, we would like to address one or two issues raised yesterday where we deferred to respond today. I believe it regarded racially motivated hate speech in sport and specifically football. Our representatives have some data and some information and some policies to give to you today.

Mr. Chair, distinguished members of the Committee, good morning. With regards to the issues raised yesterday by Madame Shepherd regarding racial discrimination and racial acts against footballers, we would like to emphasize that the Republic of Cyprus condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia in sport, including in football, and approaches such conduct through both its criminal justice framework as well as the disciplinary mechanisms of the sporting authorities. Cyprus also notes that football, due to its exceptional visibility, intense rivalries, and the anonymity that exists in large crowds and online spaces, can become a setting in which broader societal prejudice are amplified, particularly where reporting and reinforcement are inconsistent. At the national level, the relevant laws criminalize public incitement to violence or hatred on grounds including race, color, religion, descent, and national or ethnic origin. In parallel, the Cyprus Football Association's disciplinary framework provides for sanctions against clubs, officials, and individuals for discriminatory conduct, including financial penalties and match-related measures, and supports the application of in-stadium procedures. Cyprus remains committed to strengthening these efforts in line with its international as well as European obligations, with the aim of reducing and ultimately eliminating racist and xenophobic incidents in sport.

Good morning. Regarding the case of the football player that you mentioned yesterday, the case actually has, during a football match in February 2020, a football player was subjected to racist verbal abuse. The abuse reportedly came from an individual inside the stadium. Although the alleged perpetrator was removed from the venue, the match was controversially interrupted. The player subsequently filed a complaint with the police. Due to the seriousness of the allegation, the Ombudsperson, the Commissioner of Human Rights, intervened and emphasized that racism violates the fundamental principle of equality. It can create a hostile environment and may escalate into discrimination or violence. The state has a duty to prevent, investigate, and punish acts of racism. In her intervention, she also referred to international and European standards, including those of UN, the Council of Europe, ECRI, and FRA, which require strong action against racism in sport. She further noted that Cyprus has an adequate legal and regulatory framework in place, including disciplinary rules established by the Football Association, criminal law provisions that penalize racist behavior in sports venues. Finally, she called on the competent authority, the police and Football Association, to fully investigate the complaint and take immediate action, stressing that a zero-tolerance approach is essential to combat racism in sport and society. After the completion of the case by the police, we proceed the case to the Law Office of the Republic for instruction.

Mr. Chair, distinguished members of the Committee, I will touch upon two remaining issues from yesterday: the one on the fines that are imposed in cases of racial discrimination in sports, and the other one regarding the domestic application of the Convention by the court. Now, regarding the fines that are imposed in cases of racial discrimination in sports, I would like to note that the Prevention and Suppression of Violence in Sports Fields and Corruption in Sports Competitions Law, Law 48 of 2008, which criminalizes acts which are related to racism, and this means discrimination or insulting persons because of race, color, religion, language, gender, age, political beliefs, and nationality and origin. This is Article 72, provides that anyone in a sports venue or in the immediate surrounding area uses racist or abusive slogans or symbols is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding 1,000 euros, or both of these penalties.

Now, regarding the domestic application of the Convention by the courts, domestic courts in Cyprus tend in practice to primarily refer to the legal framework of the EU and the Council of Europe when addressing issues of racial discrimination, such as the EU Directive 2000/78 and 2000/43, or the ECHR, while making less frequent reference to the ICERD. For example, this is the case T449 of 2025 by the Administrative Court of International Protection, thereby also giving effect to the mandate of the ICERD. In this context, it is important to note that Cyprus also implements interpretations which are developed by the regional legal mechanisms such as the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights on matters related to racial equality and anti-discrimination in the domestic legal framework. References to the Convention in the jurisprudence of these regional courts are reflected in a range of cases, and this may be seen as contributing to the articulation of normative standards that can in turn inform and influence the practice of domestic courts. Thank you.

Good morning. First of all, I'm going to give you a narrative about the asylum seekers in Cyprus. Thank you for the opportunity. Cyprus, as a small island state and an external border of the European Union, experienced a period of acute asylum pressure between 2017 and 2022 mostly, culminating in 21,565 new asylum applicants in only 2022, measured in persons. Since that peak, new applications have declined sharply and consistently, allowing operational focus to shift from intake management to the resolution of accumulated case loads. By March this year, new asylum applications stood at 497 persons, confirming a structural and sustained reduction in inflows. Within this context, the decision-making output of the asylum system reflects the processing of both current and legacy cases.

Between 2019 and March 2026, the Cypriot Asylum Service issued a total of 91,941 first-instance decisions, excluding inadmissibility decisions. Of these, 78,549 were negative decisions, while 13,391 were positive, meaning grants of international protection following substantive examination. These figures represent the full decision output of the system during a period marked by historically high case loads and subsequent stabilization. Viewed over time, 2024 recorded the highest number of positive decisions, with 3,794 grants of international protection. As of March 2026, the total number of pending persons and pending cases stood at 15,196 cases. Of these, 10,639 were referring to Syrian nationals, with the remaining ones originating primarily from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and other countries. The current low level of new applications allows decision-making capacity to be directed increasingly towards the systematic reduction of this backlog, with a focus on procedural quality and timeliness. Taken together, these data demonstrate that since 2017, Cyprus has processed over 90,000 asylum applications while managing a transition from high intake pressure to a phase focused on resolution, backlog reduction, and durable solutions. Throughout this period, the Republic of Cyprus has continued to apply individual examination of claims, uphold the principle of non-refoulement, and cooperate closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and international partners.

That's for the asylum. Let me now comment about the reception centers. All the reception centers in Cyprus the past years have been either under upgrade or complete renovation. Specifically, the first reception center Pournara, now designated also as a screening center, has been upgraded via European funds to be able to host 1,240 residents and an additional 934 in cases of emergency. Kofinou, the center in concern, which is the Asylum Service's oldest reception center, has been upgraded and increased its capacity from 450 people to 750 people. The old section of the center will also be replaced with new prefabricated units in 2027. A new reception center in the area of Limnes is also under development and is expected to be completed by September 2026. This center will be able to host a thousand asylum seekers. And to conclude, the upgrade of all the centers will allow the Deputy Ministry to mitigate the risks and shortcomings of the private market by allowing the hosting of most asylum seekers in centers until a final decision on their asylum case is reached. Thank you.

Before going on, I lost track. Which ministry or agency you were representing?

Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.

Okay. Can I, may I kindly ask the members of the delegation to present themselves each and every time so that for the record we have, you know, everything kept? Thank you. Please go on.

Apologies, Mr. Chair. Now, regarding the principle of non-refoulement, Cyprus is part of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Cyprus acceded to the Convention on the 16th of May 1963 and later acceded to the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Also, the country adopted its first national refugee law in 2000 and assumed responsibility for refugee status determination from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on January 1st, 2022. Therefore, the Republic of Cyprus respects all of the convention clauses, including Article 33 that prohibits returning any person to territories where their life or freedom is threatened based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. Every person that resides in the Republic of Cyprus is therefore protected from refoulement, as the legal framework respects international law and ensuring that no person is returned to an area that their life or freedom is threatened for any reason. Additionally, and regarding asylum, and after the periodic review of 2019, not only subsidiary protection beneficiaries are protected from refoulement, but also asylum seekers. They are protected as an individualized examination of their claim takes place, assessing updated information on their countries of origin. Even in the case of a rejection of an application for asylum, a return order is postponed until the, even in the case of an appeal to the International Protection Administrative Court. Thank you.

I'm Chief Inspector Eleni Michael from Cyprus Police. Just a short clarification regarding the two cases that mentioned yesterday regarding Chloraka. During the investigation, five cases opened by the police, four of them are under investigation and one proceed to the court, pending trial. Regarding the second one, the case of NGO KISA, the case is pending trial also before the court and it is scheduled for hearing on the 21st of May 2026. If you need more information, we can provide to you if needed, of course.

Now, moving now to the detention center of police. Since 2022, there has been significant improvement at the police detention centers. Relevant departments of the police continuously make efforts to improve detention conditions at all police detention centers, in line with the recommendation of the Committee of CPT and the Commissioner of Human Rights. So far, the number of police detention centers is 28. And regarding of the situation there, I would like to mention: all police detention facilities are of satisfactory size and are equipped with the rest facility, sanitary facility, windows, lighting, a communication bell, and air condition system. So detention facilities, 11 in total, also have an outdoor exercise area. With regards to detention conditions, the police make continuous and coordinated efforts to improve the conditions of detention and living conditions of detainees, taking into account the standards of CPT and the recommendation of Commissioner of Human Rights. During the period 2022-2025, 11 detention centers were renovated. Within the current year, we finalized the renovation of four additional detention centers, and during the period of 2023-2024, three additional police stations with detention facility became operational.

Furthermore, in 2023, a new police order were issued, including the setup of Inspector Committee for police detention facility. The main mission of the Committee is the continuous improvement of police detention facility. In order to achieve this mission, the Committee visit and inspects all detention facility under the responsibility of the police with the aim of: first of all, improving detention and living conditions of detainees; identifying weaknesses related to building infrastructure, security, and the protection of human rights; submitting recommendation to the police leadership for the adoption of corrective measures concerning both infrastructure and procedure followed; and last, promoting the implementation of approved recommendation and monitoring the process in their implementation. Regarding cleaning, in 2025, a new contract was signed for the cleaning and the disinfection of police detention facilities with a private company, providing for 24 cleaning disinfections per year. For the maintenance of cleanliness in police detention facility, the services of cleaners assigned to each station are also utilized. In 2026, the police is trying to include 36 cleaning disinfections per year. At the same time, all detention facility have been equipped with books in various languages and with board-based games and puzzles with the aim to providing detainees with constructive activity. Moreover, detention facility that have an outdoor exercise area are also equipped with a television. All detainees are provided with personal hygienic items and blanket, pillow, and bed linen, and are offered three meals per day. Action are also undertaken to safeguard detainees' rights. Detention centers are painted in detainees-friendly colors and glass block windows have been replaced with windows providing natural light and fresh air. Television have been installed in 10 detention centers that house a large number of detainees.

And regarding Menoyia. Menoyia detention center replaced by Limnes detention center. As regard administrative detainees, a new detention facility was constructed in Limnes, Larnaca district. The facility is consist of eight zones with a capacity of 800 people. The first zone operated in March 2026 with a capacity of 160 people. The rest zones are expected to operate next September. The center was established on the basis of international and European standards for the detention of administrative detainees. All rights provided by and for and by the law are safeguarded for all detainees, taking into consideration the recommendation of the competent organizations, such as material condition, visit by relative, friend, lawyers, NGOs, Ombudsperson, UNHCR, postal services, telephone communication, access to legal representation, access to health services, interpreter services, and outdoor exercise. The detainees at Limnes detention center are not locked in their rooms and have access to all area of common use in the wings at all times. They are also access to the outdoor area for three hours per day. Upon admission at Limnes detention center, a personal hygiene kit is given to every detainee. Additionally, the service of a cleaning crew occupied full-time has been procured and it is in charge for the cleaning of the center. As regard healthcare, the center is staffed with one doctor on a daily basis, a nurse on a 24/7 basis, a mental health nurse every day, and a health visitor once a week. All the detainees are transferred to the regional medical center or Larnaca General Hospital for medical care if necessary. Additionally, a medical screening for every detainee is conducted upon admission. The police is also making efforts to further strengthen the medical staff. Thank you.

Chairperson, dear members of the Committee, I am Marina Efthymiadou from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. I would like to first begin with some information concerning persons applicants of international protection. The Social Welfare Services continue the implementation of measures for the reception and integration of asylum seekers to the Republic of Cyprus. The Social Welfare Services provide material reception conditions to asylum seekers who cannot be accommodated to any reception centers run by the Deputy Ministry of Migration. High priority is given to vulnerable people and families with children at risk, including arrangements for temporary housing and accommodation. Applications for material reception conditions as well as information on the rights and obligations of the applicants have been developed and translated into six different languages in order to assist the asylum seekers to understand the procedure of the application of the material reception conditions. With effect from June 2019, the Council of Ministers approved an increase in the material allowances for the material reception conditions of applicants for international protection. Specific criteria have also been introduced for the premises rented. At the same time, SWS, the Social Welfare Services, respond immediately to cases of asylum seekers that are not able to find accommodation and face issues of homelessness. With a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2020, the Council of Ministers approved to cover the living expenses of families with children and also vulnerable people of applicants to provide a temporary accommodation to different hotels or other places of accommodation for a period of up to three months in order to assist them to find a more permanent residence afterwards. It is noted that in 2023 an amount of about 32.4 million was provided for material reception conditions, in 2024 an amount of about 22 million, and in 2025 an amount of about 16.4 million. The decrease in the expenditure is because of the decrease in the number of applicants. Furthermore, within the framework of an EU co-funded project, the Social Welfare Services implement a project where they have employed staff in order to handle cases of asylum seekers. Two of them have been placed in the Pournara reception center in order to assist people to apply for material reception conditions at the first reception center in order to improve basically the procedure of the provision of material reception conditions and not to have any delays in giving the benefits.

Now I will continue on with trafficking information. In order to safeguard and respect the rights of victims of trafficking, the Social Welfare Services of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare continue the provision of support and protection services to victims. All victims receive immediate support and assistance, including accommodation, immediate support and including accommodation. Furthermore, victims are entitled to financial, psychological, and social support, which they receive from the government in cooperation with non-governmental organizations. Our efforts basically are focused to provide all the necessary support services to victims in order to assist them with their reintegration in the society and protection from revictimization. The services are provided on the basis of non-discrimination. The Social Welfare Services are the first responder authority and have developed a standard referral form introduced in 2019 to improve the identification and referral of potential victims into the national referral mechanism and to improve data collection as well. In January 2022, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare signed a memorandum of cooperation between the police and the Social Welfare Services for the referral, handling, protection, and briefing of potential and recognized victims of trafficking. The memorandum is of particular importance to us because it supports the government efforts to effectively combat trafficking and protect the victims. Since 2023, through a European co-funded project, the Social Welfare Services operates a unit for managing human trafficking, aiming at providing more personal supports to victims. The main purpose and work of the unit is the immediate response of the social welfare officers in all stages of identification, reporting, support, and protection measures for potential victims or victims of human trafficking, including the process of repatriation. The unit is a point of reference for all involved government agencies and NGOs with the Social Welfare Services and is expected that it will further strengthen the cooperation and coordination of the involved services and improve the operation of the national reporting mechanism. Thank you.

Mr. Chairperson, distinguished members of the Committee, good morning, and I hope we have an equally productive day as yesterday. My name is Andri Savva and I'm representing the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. I will speak on asylum seekers and migrants' rights. According to the 2023 policy review, asylum seekers are granted immediate access to the labour market nine months after the submission of their application for international protection and only within specific sectors and occupations where they are permitted to work. Access is determined on the basis of labour market conditions, including unemployment levels and skill needs, and is primarily limited to occupations where there is a shortage of Cypriot and European Union workers.

To enhance access to employment, the policy is subject to regular revision, with additional occupations gradually included. Under the revised framework, asylum seekers may be employed in the designated sectors and occupations provided that an application is submitted by the employer and approved by the Department of Labour through a simplified procedure.

The Republic of Cyprus, with the aim of ensuring equal access to employment and treatment without any discriminations against non-EU citizens, has established a comprehensive framework for the employment of non-EU citizens. This framework regulates the conditions and procedures governing the admission and employment of non-EU citizens. At the same time, it ensures that non-EU citizens enjoy working conditions without discrimination equal to those of EU citizens, including pay, working hours, and overall working conditions. Furthermore, the framework sets out clear obligations for employers, strengthens monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and aims to prevent exploitation and promote conditions of decent and lawful employment for all.

Effective complaint procedures have been established, enabling migrant workers to lodge complaints against their employers without fear of arrest or deportation. More specifically, non-EU nationals who wish to submit a complaint may do so in writing to the Aliens and Immigration Unit of the police, through which the complaint is forwarded to the relevant district office of the Department of Labour Relations for resolution. The District Labour Relations Office invites the two parties, the employer and the employee, to a meeting aiming at the investigation and resolution of the complaint. If the complaint is not resolved, a report is then prepared by the examining officer to the District Labour Relations Office and is submitted to the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection for appropriate action. Depending on the allegations, complaint may also be forwarded to the authorities for investigating any suspicion for trafficking, sexual offense, living conditions.

Also, I would like to add that according to the Private Employment Agencies Laws and Regulations, the Department of Labour continues to inspect the private employment agencies at least once a year in order to prevent trafficking and possible exploitation of workers. During 2025, the Department has inspected 251 private employment agencies and has totally revoked the license of 21 private agencies which violated provisions of the law. Moreover, the competent authority has imposed administrative fines on two agencies which were involved in fraudulent practices. Thank you.

Chair, members of the Committee, I am Michaela Kokkinou and I'm representing the Ministry of Health. I would like to reply to the questions regarding access to healthcare. The general healthcare system implemented since 2019 constitutes a key policy measure to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to healthcare services. It is based on the principles of universality, social solidarity, and equal treatment, providing comprehensive coverage to all eligible residents, including third-country nationals, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection under the same conditions as citizens. With regard to access to healthcare for non-EU citizens, the following applies: according to the General Healthcare System Law, a third-country national is considered a beneficiary provided that he or she has his/her ordinary residence in the areas controlled by the government and fulfilled one of the following conditions: has legally acquired the right of permanent residence in accordance with the Aliens and Immigration Law; or has legally acquired the right to equal treatment in the branches of social security; or is a recognized refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection under the Refugee Law; or is a family member of a beneficiary, including a spouse and dependent children. Where applicable, EU regulations 883/04, 987/09, and 1231/10 are implemented. Upon enrollment in the general healthcare system, beneficiaries are granted access to all healthcare services under the same terms and conditions, thereby ensuring equal treatment and non-discriminatory access to healthcare. In addition, asylum seekers are granted access to free public healthcare services outside the general healthcare system during the examination of their applications, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not excluded from essential care. Emergency healthcare services are available to all persons without discrimination. Trafficking victims, regardless whether they have residence permit or not, receive free public healthcare services as well as free psychological support at the Woman's House. Furthermore, regarding trafficking victims, please note that on top of other health provisions, the victims have access to the Woman's House that is based on Family Justice Center model. It is a one-stop shop where all services are provided under the same roof. Among others, they receive free psychological support on a regular basis. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your replies. Now we are going to have the follow-up questions from the co-rapporteur, the rapporteur also if she likes, and also members of the Committee. Mr. Sibanda, you have the floor.

Thanks very much, Chair. Regarding the issue of migrants, the Committee is concerned, looking at the legal framework in Cyprus, on the broad definition of prohibited immigrant. The law maintains a definition of prohibited immigrant which can be used to bypass regular asylum processing and lead to expedited removal. Would the delegation update the Committee on efforts being made to amend the law so that prohibited immigration definition does not extend to asylum seekers who are lawfully waiting for decision of their application for asylum?

There is also an issue which the Committee has come across, which is the principle of non-refoulement. So this is envisioned in Article 33 of 1951 Geneva Convention relating to status of refugees, and it provides that no person can be returned in a whatsoever manner to the frontier territory where their life or freedom would be threatened on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of particular social group, or due process. Also, this is in line with Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, providing that no person shall be subject to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and has been interpreted as prohibiting in absolute manner for return of any territory.

There is a case in the European Court of Human Rights, this is the M.A. and Z.R. versus Cyprus, an application number 39090 of 2020. The case concerning interception of Syrian nationals at sea by the Cyprus authorities and immediate return to Lebanon. Cyprus has faced criticism from European Court of Human Rights for denying access to asylum procedure and returning individuals to countries where they face persecution, as reports regarding Syrian refugees.

In 2025, five incidents of pushbacks of boats were recorded, involving 161 Syrian nationals. For the first time, three interceptions which took place in May and June involving 80 Syrian nationals led to direct returns to Syria without due regard to the principle of non-refoulement. Media reports revealed that passengers were arrested upon return to Syria by armed security personnel. In addition, two boats sailing towards Cyprus on 15 March, aftermath of the sectarian violence in Syria, have also been intercepted and returned to Syria through Lebanon, despite profile of those on board, mostly Alawites and Christians. A third boat, which was reported sailed on the same day towards Cyprus, capsized, resulting to seven people losing their lives, 12 persons missing at sea. 12 persons were rescued on 17th March at a location provided to the authorities at Alamofone. Would the delegation update the Committee on the steps Cyprus is taking to make sure these cases of refoulement, what are also known as collective expulsion, no longer exist in Cyprus? Not much has been provided in the State party report, especially when we look at the report concerning refugee laws under paragraph 22. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Sibanda. Now I have a list of speakers. Madame Shepherd, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. So, yesterday I mentioned the issue of fines as a deterrent to actions against, you know, racially motivated actions against football players who are black, people of African descent. And I was looking for the fines yesterday, but I couldn't find that yesterday. So today I looked them up again and I saw the fines, fines of at least 50,000 euros and up to 500,000 euros. And so I just wanted to ask if you think this should be deterrent enough. It sounds like a lot of money to me, but I don't know if it's a lot of money in Cyprus. It sounds like a lot of money to me. So, should these fines be increased? Or have you seen the impact of the fines on, is there relationship between the fines and the cases that you have seen in the State party? That's one.

The other issue is about education. Because we do have General Recommendation 34 on people of African descent, racial discrimination against people of African descent. And part of the recommendation to State parties in the General Recommendation is to use education as a means of, you know, perhaps allowing children from, you know, little children right up, to understand the roots of the experiences of people of African descent, the association with chattel enslavement and so on. So I want to know if the education system really has been used as a tool, as a medium for tolerance and understanding of different groups in the society, because that's a recommendation from GR 34.

Also, I was looking at the trafficking profile, and I think I had raised it yesterday already, about the fact that it seems as if the majority are people of African descent and Africans, and that they are used in the sex industry and so on. So I was thinking that if the knowledge about people of African descent is about what they are trafficked to do, and also that people have some knowledge, whether full or not, about the association with chattel enslavement and Africans, I'm just wondering how is the education system being mobilized to address the roots of the stereotype in an effort to remove that aspect of why people are discriminating against people of African descent.

And finally, we have heard a lot about the policies, and I'm not sure I'm hearing enough about the impact of the policies on changing behavior in the society or addressing the concerns that we have. I know sometimes evaluation, measurement are not always done, not easy to be done. You implement the policies and you hope that it will have an impact on your society. But it would be good to hear exactly how the society is changing because of education to address racial discrimination. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Madame Shepherd. I give the floor to Madame Stavrinaki.

Thank you, Chair. And let me start by welcoming back, warmly welcoming back the esteemed delegation of the Republic of Cyprus. And also allow me to take note of the gender, not only balance but the strong representation by women. Also our Committee is, I mean our composition is perfect gender parity, and we know that it's a continuous struggle. But so it's something that we always appreciate to see in the delegations. So, I would like to focus on the right to health, because as you know, in 2024 the Committee adopted this General Recommendation on the right to health, while the Committee has recognized that, clarified the standards already discussed in General Recommendation 30, where exactly for this Committee at least, you know, the equality and non-discrimination means that the legal status of migrants does not, it's not what exactly, you know, determine access to health. And health is understood in a more broader way beyond the healthcare.

But I would like to focus for today's dialogue, of course I welcome any comment upon this statement, but I would like to focus on reproductive health rights and access because we know that in many cases, you know, healthcare services are very much important not only to prevent severe violations of the right to health and the right to life, but also violations of the right to private life because we know that persons protected under our Convention, due to language barriers and other barriers, are also, you know, do not enjoy always the right to informed consent. So we have issues, instances of violations because they don't actually have the full information to consent. And this is something that we would like to discuss more. How do you, how does the Republic of Cyprus, which kind of measures have put in place to ensure that especially women, but also, you know, younger women like girls, have access to the information they need to make informed decisions and avoid, avoid, you know, situations where, I mean, interference with the rights is so serious. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Madame Stavrinaki. Madame Eseneme, vous avez la parole.

Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. This is the first time that I am taking the floor and I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Cyprus. My question is on trafficking. And it picks up on what the Rapporteur has already asked, but what I want to say is from a different perspective. Some reports indicate that most of the victims of trafficking in Cyprus come from Africa: from Egypt, Cameroon, Congo, Morocco, and Nigeria mainly. Others from Asia and some from Europe, but primarily from Africa. And that trafficking mainly is for purposes of exploiting labor, sexual exploitation, and often both at the same time. We also see other types of trafficking for the purposes of organ harvesting, illegal adoption, and forced crime. Can the delegation please provide figures or up-to-date information on victims of trafficking, their profile, and the purpose of that trafficking, which could resemble a type of slavery? Could the delegation please also inform the Committee on the specific measures that were taken to identify the victims of trafficking for all the purposes that I mentioned a moment ago, to punish the perpetrators, and to provide reparation to victims? Thank you.

Merci, Madame Eseneme. Monsieur Diaby, vous avez la parole.

Thank you. Chair, I would like to congratulate the delegation for updating the Committee on all the public policies that have been put forward to combat discrimination in Cyprus. Chair, just briefly, I would like to go back to statelessness and discrimination in sports. Statelessness, according to information we have had, is mainly for migrants locked in the UN area and some minorities. But the country is not a member of the '54 Convention on the Status of Statelessness, nor the one on '61 on reducing cases of statelessness. So that makes it harder to protect people, people who do not have access to identity documents and then cannot have access to health and to work. And then there's this specific issue of children of Turkish Cypriot parents who have a hard time getting access to nationality in Cyprus. So there's an obvious risk of statelessness here because without an identity document they can't travel, they can't work, they can't have access to basic services. And so what becomes of these people? What is their status? And what measures have been taken or do you plan on taking so that the State of Cyprus moves towards the ratification of both conventions, the one of '54 and the one of '61?

And on racism in sports, we listened to the delegation a moment ago and they were answering questions this morning. And the sanction system we see, these are fines that are given sometimes, some bans, at the level of the sporting federation. But does the state plan, maybe, raising it to a criminal sanction or criminal act or level? Thank you.

Turn the floor to the delegation now. But before that, allow me to draw your attention to something. For better management of time, please do not quote at length the content of your legislation or regulations. We already know most of them, probably all of them, unless they are enacted a week ago. Also do not quote the content of statistics because you can give it to us and the rapporteurs will take care of that. The Committee would be most interested in the application of legislation and regulations and the impact. So, please, you have the floor now.

I noticed that we missed replying to Ms. Shepherd's questions on statelessness and it has also now again been raised. So we would like to start with our responses on stateless persons and then we will continue on the rest of the responses through our delegation and through myself.

Good morning. My name is Vivian Kanari and I am a counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus. On the issue of stateless persons, the ratification process of the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons remains under scrutiny by the competent authorities. We will get back to you on the exact timeline of ratification, adoption, etc. According to Cypriot law, a stateless person is recognized as a refugee or a person granted with subsidiary protection status by Supreme Court decisions. Therefore, the fundamental rights of stateless persons are protected. These rights refer to the right to move freely within the areas effectively controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, access to free medical care, access to educational facilities, and access to the labour market. The Cyprus Constitution and citizenship law ensure that nationality legislation is applied in a non-discriminatory manner. All applications are examined according to the date of filing and the decisions are issued within a reasonable period of time. Case law provides that there is no discrimination in the examination of applications. I thank you.

We also need to make a small comment on something that was missed previously, the Deputy Ministry of Migration, and then we will continue with the questions from this section. Sorry.

Yes, thank you. I'll inform you about the situation of those third-country nationals. The composition of those residence permits reflects a carefully balanced migration framework that supports the country's economic development. A significant portion of residence permits is associated with domestic and care-related employment. Another prominent category relates to long-term migration permits. There are also the employment-based residence permits that represent a central pillar of Cyprus migration policy. Family unity is recurring an important element within the residence permit framework, permits granted for family reunification for third-country nationals as well as for family members of Cypriots, European Union citizens, and beneficiaries of international protection. There is the presence of residence permits for beneficiaries of withdrawal agreements that reflects Cyprus' alignment with European arrangement and its respect for acquired rights. Cyprus also maintains its role as a regional educational destination. International students contribute not only to academic institutions but also to cultural exchange. Additionally, residence permits are issued for visitors and other specific categories, and with the flexibility within the migration system. Overall, the structure of the residence permits for foreign nationals reflects a diversified, regulated, and purpose-driven migration system. Thank you.

Regarding the statistic data that you would like to clarify about the fines. As I mentioned yesterday, we have the number of conviction regarding the racist crimes, but if you need in details the penalties and sentences of this conviction, we can provide to you later on. Now, moving now to the THB, trafficking in human being, I'll go, I'm gonna give you an overview, very shortly overview regarding this. The Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Being was set up in 2004 and since 2015 operate as an operation, so we investigate all cases of trafficking. Its main responsibility, of course, among others, is the identification and handling of victim, as well the investigation of criminal cases in collaboration with other governmental and non-governmental agencies.

We have a specific legislation in Cyprus, which is in line with European acquis. The latest amendment of our legislation was in 2019 and it was related to the criminalizing of receiving services for a victim of trafficking. This mean, this article means that the person may claim that he was not aware that the person from whom he received the service was a victim indeed, does not constitute a defense of him. And fortunately, after all action that I'm gonna inform you that I've done from the part of the police, so far we have more than 22 conviction regarding trafficking, and we have for the first time a conviction for the crime who received sexual services for a victim of sexual exploitation, 18 years old girl in Cyprus. The conviction was three years imprisonment and it was the first time not only on national level but in European level as well, as the European Commission inform us. Now, according to our legislation, we have in Cyprus national referral mechanism, national action plan 2023-2026, and the multidisciplinary coordination group. The first one is the framework providing guidelines how to deal and support with victims. The second one contain action in the field of prevention and suppression of the phenomenon and how to prosecute perpetrators before the court. And the last one is formulate a policy and take practical and operation measure to coordinate all the involved stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental, because we have a close cooperation with NGOs in this field.

The most important obligation of the office of course is the identification and handling of victim. Only the member of this office has this right, and we have a specific protocol with the specific indicators for each form of exploitation. We are organized training from time to time to our police members of the office, also frontline officers and other stakeholders, and for a first time since 2021 we organized a training for governmental sectors, I mean police officer of the office, a frontline police officers, social workers, inspector of labour agency, and prosecutor and clinical psychologist as well. A three-day training regarding this with the contribution of expert from abroad. Daily we receive information and we evaluate this information and based on this we organize operation with the contribution of inspector from labour office. As I mentioned, we investigate THB cases throughout Cyprus. We respond to international obligation due to the fact that the majority of our victim are foreigners, so we are in close contact with the country of origin through the channel of Europol, Interpol, or through sending MLA, mutual legal assistance.

As an office, we gather, keep, and provide statistic data, and we have, I have here with me statistic data in details regarding conviction, form of exploitation, country of origin of victim and perpetrators. And also we are a member of multidisciplinary coordination group. Once we have an interview with a potential victim, because it's not a victim, it's a potential victim initially, we inform him about his right, and we mean service and organization that they can support him, type of support that they can receive, when and how he can complain, file a complaint, a type of protection from the police, legal advice, and compensation as well. If there is reason, we can transfer victims to a shelter. We have shelter run by the government or by NGOs, and we have perfect cooperation with the staff that work there. Of course, during the court procedure, it's very important the psychological assessment of the victim. This is why we refer the victims to the clinical psychologist. If the victim, potential victim, hesitate to cooperate with us, we give him according to the law reflection period of one month.

And of course, the end goal is the safety repatriation of the victim to their country. This mean that we have to cooperate with international organization, and we cooperate with IOM so far during the repatriation of victims. Of course, the method that we investigate cases is the proactive. It's very important for us the stage of proactive investigation. And alongside to the criminal investigation, we launch a financial investigation in order to seize money from perpetrators. Daily we face a lot of challenge. Of course, the long term of investigation, the length of trial in court itself, it's a big problem for us. And the contribution, the need that we need from interpreter, because the majority of our victim, as I mentioned before, are foreigners. The international organization that we work in the field of training or any other field, investigation of cases, it's Europol of course, IOM, Interpol, EMPACT, OSCE, UNODC, and European Union Agency for Asylum.

Before or since 2020, we change our approach at all. Before we have very rare conviction regarding trafficking, this is true, but we change it by giving more attention in two specific approach: first of all, the victim-centered approach and the multidisciplinary approach. And this enhance and make more practical and efficient our procedure. This is why so far we have more than 24 conviction regarding trafficking crimes. As my colleague here mentioned before, we sign two memorandum of cooperation in order to make our procedure more practical and efficient: memorandum of cooperation with Social Welfare Services and Labour Office. We set up a hotline for a first time, 1497, for anonymous information. So we enhance individual to proceed with anonymous information during this hotline in order to investigate cases and see what happens. Also we organize training for in police or outside the police from our stakeholders. And this is why during the TIP report, for four consecutive years, we are categorized at Tier 1 due to the action that we've done.

Now, one minute, just I have something else to add. A specialized design house has been created for contacting interview with the victims. It's a friendly and comfortable place, make the victim feel secure to open up and share their story with us. All this action happened after 2020. An important of course innovation is the hotline 1497. Also we have online platform on Cyprus Police website for anonymous information. Anybody can provide us with this details. We participate in European international event or project concerning THB. We collaborate with other country during the investigation and so far we had, we set up two JIT, joint investigation team, with other country in the field of sham marriages. The most frequent form of trafficking in Cyprus of course are the sexual and labour exploitation. 33 cases are pending before court. We are member of EMPACT, it's a platform under the auspices of Europol, and we have a meeting with other country in order to guidelines and to receive the best practices how to handle difficult cases. Okay, this for the moment. Thank you.

I'm Andreas Tsiakkiros from the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth. The Ministry has developed and upgraded its educational policy pertaining to intercultural education aiming at the smooth integration of pupils from diverse ethnic backgrounds into the education system through its policy papers that covers key issues related to the reception as well as the integration of pupils at the macro, the meso, as well as the micro level. This policy focuses on five priority areas, that is learning the Greek language, the reception of newly arrived children, the education of teachers and their in-service training, the data collection as well as the analysis of the needs of pupils, as well as the intercultural approach of curriculum. Based on this policy, action plans have been developed and implemented covering the different pillars. By the time the pupils reach the sixth grade in primary school and through the participation in mainstream classes and interaction with native speakers, more than 80% of pupils succeed in achieving level B1 proficiency according to data from the Center of Educational Research and Evaluation.

It is further noted that during the current school year, an extra time of teaching hours have been allocated, thus the employment of 184 extra teachers especially for teaching Greek to migrant pupils. Moreover, in schools that participate in the program, both kindergarten as well as primary schools, a second teacher is assigned to classrooms for 8 to 10 periods per week to provide supplementary support to pupils. At the same time, the Department of Primary Education has recently completed in September 2024 a co-funded project through which interactive, audiovisual, and translated material was developed especially for teaching Greek as a second language in the kindergarten, thus starting from the early age. This project translated parents' guides, recorded and translated everyday communication and subject-specific phrases, stories accompanied by vocabulary learning cards, animated videos, songs, as well as vocabulary learning application. In secondary education, four district educational programs for teaching Greek to pupils have been implemented in selected schools, and these programs employ diagnostic assessments to evaluate pupils' language proficiency both prior to and during participation.

Furthermore, the creation of a sensitization culture against racism and intolerance and the promotion of equality and respect is an integral part of curriculum in various school subjects, for example, history, religious education, language, and literature. In this context, we strongly believe that education has a crucial role in challenging and dismantling harmful stereotypes about people of African descent. Through inclusive curricula, the use of evidence-based teaching materials, and the systematic presentation of histories, cultures, and contributions across subjects, schools can counter one-dimensional narratives and promote a more accurate understanding of diversity. Equally important is the training of teachers to recognize and address bias, to use respectful language, and to respond effectively to racist incidents so that classrooms remain safe environments where all pupils are treated with dignity and equal expectation. Towards this direction, we give special emphasis.

Taken together, all the measures implemented by the Ministry to which I have already referred are expected to have a wider, long-term impact beyond the school environment in Cyprus by helping to shape a society that is more inclusive, cohesive, and resilient to racism and xenophobia. When pupils across Cyprus learn in diverse settings, acquire the language skills to participate equally and fully, and are exposed to curricula that promote equality, respect, and critical thinking, they are more likely to challenge prejudice in their everyday life and to reject discriminatory behaviors as adults. In this way, education functions as a preventive tool within the Republic of Cyprus. It reduces social exclusion, strengthens mutual understanding between communities, and support the development of equal opportunities for all, thereby contributing to social harmony as well as to democratic citizenship. Thank you.

Regarding the question on reproductive health rights and access to health, we would like to note that under the general healthcare system, gynecological clinics and midwives as well as maternity centers all provide free services as well as counseling services to everyone. Also, a national strategy was established in 2018 regarding the sexual and reproductive health of young people and providing information on family planning. This was the National Strategy on the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Youth.

The key action pillars of the strategy were the following: parental health, family planning, infertility, birth control, adverse pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, reproductive system infections, prevention of cancer of the reproductive system, preventing and managing cases of sexual violence. At this stage, the strategy is completed in 2025 and an evaluation is ongoing to guide us on the next steps. Furthermore, the health visitors of the Ministry of Health are currently implementing ongoing educational programs at primary and secondary schools. Pupils in the fifth grade of primary school and the first grade of gymnasium receive education on puberty. Additionally, pupils in the second lyceum participate in educational sessions covering reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may in swift answer the issue of children of mixed marriages, I would like to mention that Section 109 of the Civil Registry Law provides that a person born in Cyprus on or after 16th of August 1960 is a citizen of the Republic if at any time of their birth either of their parents are citizens of the Republic. Those specific provisions do not apply in cases only where the entry or residence in Cyprus of any of the parents was irregular, unless approved by the Supreme Court on the basis of specific criteria. This specific restriction does not apply only to Turkish Cypriots but for all citizens of the Republic. Just a statistical number for the years 2024 and 2025, we had registered 295 children of mixed marriages. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your replies to the questions raised by members. I hope the members are satisfied. Now I'm going to give a break for four, five minutes and we will be back at half past eleven sharp. So, five minutes break.

Welcome back. Now the second part of this morning, segment four. We will start with Mr. Sibanda on issues related to the situation of ethnic minorities. Mr. Sibanda, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I know that when it comes to time, there is always not enough time. But from the previous segment, I think my question relating to the case from the European Court of Human Rights and the continued collective expulsion of immigrants was not answered. At the same time, I would ask for just a minute if the state can just also address three things. The first one is that the victims of trafficking are subjected to criminal prosecution. There are reports that authorities have at times detained or initiated deportation proceedings against trafficked persons, particularly in sex industry, rather than offering them protection, and via raiding of brothels. Would the delegation provide information on legal and policy framework of supporting victims of trafficking so that they don't suffer double punishment of being victims of trafficking and also prosecution and deportation?

And also the point that there is so much, the reports that we have seen is that when it comes to trafficking, there is so much on sex trafficking rather than issues in labor and agriculture and construction industry. And in fact, the reports we have seen is that there is, there is no proactiveness in that area. For example, under paragraph 101 of the State party report, shelter is one of the options available for victims of trafficking, but these are victims only of sexual exploitation. And therefore would want to hear from the delegation in terms of policy framework and programs that exist to address human trafficking, especially in agriculture, labor, and construction. And on the same point, if the state would be kind enough in terms of the report, as you guided, Chair, that they should give us statistics on how many people applied for asylum, how many were rejected, and from which country. We want to see the pattern and see if there are issues of discrimination.

Now I go to this area of segment, which is the last segment, and I see that we are drawing closer to the dialogue with Cyprus. The starting point, Chair, and the delegation, is the statement that was made yesterday at the very opening of the dialogue by the leader of delegation, and it's also reflected in the report that Cyprus has submitted to us, that they are not capable of monitoring, guaranteeing rights on the other areas of Cyprus. However, the Committee is aware of Security Resolutions 541 of 1983 and 550 of 1984 of having only one Cyprus.

At the same time, we take recognizance of the recent recommendation and conclusion from our sister committee, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which says that the Committee recognizes the position of the State party that it does not exercise control over the entire territory. However, the Committee reminds the State party that the Convention is applicable throughout its territory and that it should take all possible measures to implement the covenant in all parts of the country. What we have observed, when first of all it comes to issue of inter-communal initiative and free movement in Cyprus.

While the Green Line regulations allow for crossing, the division remains heavily controlled and the situation evolve with Republic's plans of joining Schengen area. As of August 2025, only valid Republic of Cyprus IDs or EU citizen cards are allowed to cross smoothly from the north to the south. Restricting individuals that hold the Turkish Cypriot documents. Those with only birth certificates or limited documentation face increased scrutiny, requiring notarized copies of their documents to cross. Foreigners who arrive via North Cyprus, for example, Ercan Airport, they are often prohibited from crossing to the south because they are considered as having entered the country illegally.

Asylum seekers traveling from Turkey to the north of Cyprus who try to cross into Cyprus, they are frequently blocked, leading them being stranded in the UN-controlled buffer zone. Cyprus has previously installed physical barriers along the path of Green Line to stop irregular migration flows. In fact, official documents like driver's license, vehicle registration from the north are not always accepted by the government of Cyprus. Would the delegation update this Committee on efforts that are being made to make sure that people are not discriminated just because they are entering the country through the north of Cyprus?

Now I will turn to issue of Turkish Cypriots. The situation of Cyprus is that there is always this debate of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. However, probably my starting point would be the statement that was made by the Turkish government through the Permanent Mission of Cyprus at the UN. I think this was in 2003. The Permanent Mission of Cyprus at the UN stated, and the statement was published online and it's available online, says the government of Cyprus' main aim is to give Turkish Cypriots who live mainly in occupied area the opportunity to enjoy to the extent possible the rights and benefits that Republic of Cyprus offers its citizens. All measures will be implemented within the context of legality, international law, and the acquis communautaire.

Further, the government stated that practical measures will be taken to facilitate employment of Turkish Cypriots who live in occupied areas by employers in the government-controlled area with the same terms of employment which apply for the rest of Cypriots. Would the delegation give us data on how much efforts have been made to make sure that everyone is being employed equally? And also on the same point, the Turkish government continued to state that Cyprus promised that they will avoid discrimination against qualified graduates of these education establishments and will make arrangements so that qualified Turkish Cypriots are employed in the government-controlled area on the basis of their substantive qualification. Scholarships will be given to Turkish Cypriots to attend courses in the recognized institution of higher university of education in Cyprus. The teaching of Turkish language will be gradually introduced at basic level in secondary school and to adults in the government-controlled area. To this end, efforts will be made to employ as many Turkish Cypriot teachers as possible. We would want to get progress reports on kind of areas.

Because right now, our concern and the information we have is that the Republic of Cyprus generally grants citizenship to Turkish Cypriots who can prove that their ancestors resided on the island before 1974 partition. We have also information that children of mixed marriages between Turkish Cypriots and etc. from Turkey are often face significant hurdles of denials in obtaining citizenship. Therefore, they are denied of enjoying European rights.

We also have reports of highlights of lack of integration of Turkish Cypriots in the public civil service, police, judiciary. The demand of Greek language proficiency test often serve as a clear discrimination. Although Turkish is an official language, however, its practical use in government service in the south is very limited. There are also concerns regarding the lack of Turkish language in schools, especially in some of the major cities like Limassol. And the northern area remains internationally not recognized, leading to embargoes that Turkish Cypriots view is a form of international discrimination. This limits direct trade, travel, and participation in international sports and events.

And talking about sports, Turkish government promised that they will facilitate the sports federations to make sure that Turkish Cypriot athletes participate in all international events through the national team of Cyprus. We would love to get a progress report on that because that has been a concern in terms of treating everyone else equally. There were also promises that Turkish patients who come to government-controlled area for examination and treatment would be served better. There were also promises that the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation will make sure that there are programs that target Turkish people in terms of language and in terms of rights. We would also want to get reports on that.

Now I will turn to issue of Roma people. Yesterday, if you may recall, Chair, the delegation tried or attempted to tell us that Roma people are categorized as just part of Turkish Cypriots. However, when we look at the situation closely in Cyprus, is that Roma people identify themselves as a separate ethnic group. And statistics show that there are more than 1,300 people who identify themselves as Roma in Cyprus. But when we look at the situation, we as a Committee has not been updated on the data that is available of the Roma people.

In fact, there are also Roma Gurbet or Romani Gurbet who speak Kurbetcha, also spelled as Kurbetcha, a Para-Romani creole language characterized by Cypriot Turkish grammar. That group also identifies itself as a separate group. However, when we look at reports, these people are subjected to high level of poverty rates, low education attainment, many children dropping out of school, high unemployment, limited healthcare access, often compounded by social stigma and self-exclusion from formal registries.

Reports indicate that Cyprus as a government developed a strategy in 2011 which attempted to integrate these Roma people into education. However, not much has been reported from the State party report on these efforts. There have been reports of highlighted persistent exclusion, especially in areas like the city of Limassol where they have resided before. And looking at the education standards, so education attainment among Roma people in Cyprus remains markedly low with high dropout rates characterized with the transition from primary to secondary school. Reports indicate that in some of the documented reports, out of at least 15 Roma children required to attend secondary school education, only two enrolled, implying that the dropout rate is at 85% right now. Attendance in upper secondary education is described as extremely low with a high negligible progression to university level. We really need a response from the delegation on this matter.

When it comes to housing, the reports indicate housing conditions for many Roma families remain substandard with reliance on government-provided homes. And these properties are usually rural settlement often lacking reliable access to water, electricity, and sanitation. Reports indicate that certain families continue to reside without these basic utilities, contributing to poor hygiene and heightened health risk for environmental factors. In employment, these Roma people experience widespread prejudice and bias, with human rights protection providing ineffective despite existence of anti-discrimination legislation in Cyprus. There are also reports of discrimination in labor market contributing to high exclusion rates. In fact, there is an assessment by the Council of Europe which flagged that persistent challenges in combating this demonstrate clear bias in terms of jobs.

Lastly, this Romani population has been described that they are resistant to cultural assimilation. However, we realize that every ethnic group must be given opportunity to exercise their rights. Therefore, we would want to hear from the delegation on efforts that are being made so that Roma people are able to enjoy their rights freely. On the same point, we would want also to make sure that the issue of people of African descent is addressed. As of now, and as the delegation is here, population data on people of African descent and black Europeans remain available in the State party report. And these people are victims of discrimination in fields of life, ranging again from employment, healthcare, to criminal justice system and hate speech and violence. And would want also more information on how the country is addressing people of African descent and black Europeans. I'll stop there, Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Sibanda. Mr. Balserzak, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. And it's the first time I take the floor throughout this dialogue. I welcome the delegation. I also thank Mr. Sibanda for his generosity of leaving a bit of time for the rest of the Committee. I will not take the whole seven minutes. Well, the task force was so well prepared and asked so many questions that they left little room, actually, for some additional inquiries. However, let me give it a try. So, well, I would like to just start from noting the obvious, but it's, I think it's important also, that you have recognized this Committee's jurisdiction under Article 14, which concerns individual communications. This is commendable, yet none communications arrived from Cyprus. It's also commendable you ratified Protocol 12 to the European Convention of Human Rights, by the way, which provides for general prohibition of discrimination.

But now, I would have one specific question and a second a bit more general. One specific is as follows. I should also precede it with a little bit of context. Apart from reading very carefully your report and a lot of documents, we also pay attention to ECRI reports, of course. We try to be very well informed. Now, the ECRI report is from 2023 as regards Cyprus. I found an interesting information which I'm sure it's true. It's just something which relates to Roma population and this segment. I would like to, in a way, juxtapose it with what was discussed. It's actually paragraph 108 of ECRI's report. And in essence, it says that the Agios Antonios primary school in Limassol is the one where Roma pupils in a way receive their education, not only there, of course. But now we learn that in fact they have the opportunity to learn in Kurbetcha, in their language of Turkish Cypriot Roma there. We learn that they were offered breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. We also learn that they, for instance, during COVID-19 crisis, I quote, they were also offered tablets to all Roma pupils for online education. Well, these are really good practices. I was wondering, was it the overall practice in Cyprus as regards Roma, non-Roma pupils, or was it just the specific case of this school?

Now, my second more general question is perhaps of a different nature. Because in order to learn about your domestic practice, about how you implement the Convention, we also try to learn about the historical context that was already mentioned by the co-rapporteur. Well, and in this regard, well, we are familiar with the developments. We are very much aware of also, for instance, the 2001 European Court of Human Rights judgment in Cyprus versus Turkey. There was 2014 judgment which concerned just satisfaction issues. And these issues, well, seem to be important even they may not be directly relevant or it's not that European Court pronounced on some ethnic issues, but I think it's important for the understanding of the situation. And here comes my question. Well, how would you evaluate or how would you address the question of the stage of the peace process, perhaps you would call it differently, can it be called reconciliation process as well? Because, well, it's 25 years since this judgment of the European Court, it's 12 years since the just satisfaction judgment. We know that situation is far from perfect, but also it affects the overall situation and context. So in essence, what I would like you to address is your delegation's, your government's stance on the peace/reconciliation process. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Balserzak. Madame Stavrinaki, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. And I welcome the last part of Mr. Balserzak's question because while I was in Cyprus, I was also involved in a few couple of inter-communal initiatives, and especially taken by women, the first one. And we know how actually the role of women has been recognized in peace processes, and it's very important, and I think none of us in this room would think otherwise. So, I just wanted to say that I witnessed that, but I also would like to ask whether this kind of initiatives, other, are supported. Because the painful history of Cyprus, it's a painful history and it remains a painful history. And I'm saying that with all the gravity as a person not living exactly while it happened, but as a Greek recognizing also as a Greek citizen the responsibility of dictatorship in Greece. So, I do see, you know, this painful history. I do think that, of course, we know very well that in an inter-communal process, both sides need to be there in good faith. And so I would welcome any kind of, you know, information on efforts to bring the communities and also involve women in this process. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madame Stavrinaki. Thank you, members. I don't see any other member asking for the floor, so I'll turn towards the delegation for responses. You have 20 minutes, Madame.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think we should begin with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give an overview of the situation of issues which were raised, and then we will continue with the rest of the questions through our delegation and through myself.

Thank you. On the issue of entry into the Republic of Cyprus, the legal points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are Larnaca International Airport, Paphos International Airport, the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latchi, and Paphos, and the marinas of Limassol, St. Raphael, and Ayia Napa. The government of the Republic of Cyprus has exclusive jurisdiction to determine the legal entry points. No legal point of entry is recognized in the area of Cyprus occupied by Turkey where the government does not exercise effective control. Entering through any airport or port in the occupied area is illegal. The ports of Famagusta, Kyrenia, Karavostasi, which were in operation before the invasion of '74, have been declared closed to all vessels by decree of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus issued on the 3rd of October 1974. This decision was taken in line with the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus because the safety of navigation cannot be ensured in the areas which the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. The so-called Ercan Airport has been built and operating illegally, has been condemned by the Security Council, and is not recognized by any country except for Turkey. It operates without the required permission of the government of the Republic of Cyprus, the only legal and internationally recognized government on the island, member of the International Civil Aviation Organization with exclusive authority under the Chicago Convention to determine the country's runways and airports.

On the issue of entry points, this is an issue that is determined and decided upon by the leaders of the two communities in the framework of the reunification talks. Talks on the resolution of the Cyprus issue are ongoing. The UN Secretary-General personal envoy continues her engagement with all involved to chart the way forward. We have reiterated our commitment to achieve a settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as prescribed in relevant UN Security Council resolutions as the only viable solution. A solution on the above basis is important not only for Cyprus and all Cypriots, but for all involved in the Cyprus problem as well as for all international actors with vital interest for the security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. For us, it is paramount that the next meeting takes place with an aim to produce an outcome, ideally the resumption of negotiations. It is important to have clarity for the steps ahead in effort to resume a viable political process and the prospect of an agreed solution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The government is adamant that the settlement should safeguard the rights of all Cypriots without discrimination on whatever grounds. One of the main goals once a settlement has been reached would be to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and redress past and ongoing violations of human rights.

On the issue of initiatives, the bi-communal technical committees, 13 of them, began work in 2008 following the 8th July 2006 agreement between the leaders, deal with issues that affect the day-to-day life of people. All the members of the bi-communal technical committees are appointed on a voluntary basis and participate informally in their individual capacity. Some recent examples include: Technical Committee on Humanitarian Affairs along with the Technical Committee on Youth, which held an event under the title "Connecting Generations Across the Island Through Technology." There was also a joint video message issued by the two co-chairs of the Technical Committee on Gender Equality on the occasion of International Women's Day. Also important to note are the dialogue between political parties organized by the Embassy of Slovakia since 1989, the religious track of the Cyprus peace process under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy, and the Cyprus Women Bi-communal Coalition founded with the support of the Embassy of Ireland. Regrettably, there are still cases of technical committees' work being impeded. The most indicative example remains the Technical Committee on Education where, despite repeated calls, the Turkish Cypriot side retains the policy it adopted since October 2022 to suspend its participation in the award-winning peace education project "Imagine" and continues to refuse the implementation of other committee projects that promote peace and reconciliation through education. The Imagine project is implemented by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research and the Home for Cooperation under the auspices of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Education and is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of the Republic of Germany. The project is also supported by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and the UN Office of the Special Adviser. The Ministry of Education has once more published the circular for the implementation of the project for the current year. Thank you.

Thank you. Going back to Madame Shepherd's question on fines for the acts against footballers, if they are enough as a deterrent. Obviously, we cannot give our personal opinion. In Cyprus, we have the separation of powers: the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive. So when the judiciary imposes fines, they act fully independently, as does the House of Representatives when passing laws. In my independent role as the Law Commissioner, however, I have a mandate where I can research this issue and recommend increases in fines if my office finds that these were not enough, if they did not act as a deterrent. So I cannot respond to you now without carrying out the research, but I will certainly take your comments under consideration. Thank you. Now I pass the floor to our representatives from the ministries.

Thank you. I would like to comment on the issues retaining the Cyprus nationality. Cyprus ensures that the law regulating the Cyprus nationality is implemented without any discrimination for each person who fulfills the provision of the Civil Registry Laws. On a brief note, the Cyprus nationality can be acquired in two ways: first, through the procedure of naturalization, and secondly, because of their Cypriot origin, as stated before. Nationality is acquired either automatically from the date of birth or through an application for registration in cases of persons who were not born in Cyprus or who left Cyprus before the 16th of August 1960. The criteria for acquiring Cypriot citizenship are summarized: first, in the years of residence; second, on the good character of the applicant; and finally, the applicant's intention in continuing to reside in the Republic of Cyprus. Now on pending cases of naturalization to finalize, the legislation does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, gender, or place of residence of the parents. The only restriction that applies is in cases of illegal entry or stay of the foreign parent. In these cases, a decision of the Council of the Ministers is required on the basis of specific criteria, which were amended in February 2024. The purpose of the review was the rationalization of the criteria and the clarification where necessary for a better and the uniform examination of the cases in a whole. Thank you.

Some of the measures that I referred to are especially targeted to the pupils who are enrolled in Agios Antonios primary and secondary schools, and some others are more general and cover all pupils in vulnerable situation or in need of support. With regards to gender equality, the Ministry is focused on ensuring equal opportunities in education for all genders on a non-discriminatory basis at all levels of education. Towards this end, it has formed an interdepartmental committee with representatives from its various departments and services, and this committee oversees and coordinates all gender equality issues related to actions taken. The work of the committee focuses on the development of an action plan every three years, targeting gender equality in the structures of the educational system as well as in teacher training. The Gender Equality Action Plan for the period 2023-2026 is a set of objectives, actions, as well as commitments aiming at promoting a gender equality culture through sustainable ways in multiple levels, such as training different target groups, research, and relevant processes involved. Furthermore, every year the interdepartmental committee, in collaboration with the Gender Equality Committee in Employment and Vocational Training, launches a writing competition related to gender equality for pupils in primary and secondary education. The competition often asks for written pieces that fit a certain theme or even follow a prompt. In addition, representatives of the committee often participate in several meetings or training sessions related to the promotion of gender equality in the educational system as well as in society in general. The committee's work and actions are made public through its website, in which, among others, useful information regarding its actions as well as teaching material for promoting equal opportunities and gender mainstreaming in the educational process is uploaded.

With regarding to your questions regarding history education, the history curricula implemented in the Republic of Cyprus adopt a disciplinary approach to history education, which promotes historical thinking, the use of evidence, and multiperspectivity. This approach encourages pupils to engage with the past through multiple viewpoints and supports the development of tolerance, dialogue, and democratic citizenship. In addition, as part of the ongoing process of reviewing and updating the curricula, the Republic of Cyprus gives particular attention within the history curricula to decolonization-related perspectives, including the critical examination of inherited narratives and the ways in which colonial legacies may shape historical dialogue as well as social attitudes. This effort is pursued through the strengthening of pupils' critical historical thinking and multiperspectivity, the use of diverse as well as reliable sources, and the inclusion of voices and experiences that have historically been underrepresented, with a view to fostering informed and respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to give an answer regarding the use of the Turkish language and Turkish document. And I would like to say that I had the honor and of coordinate the draft and draft the first National Action Plan of the Republic of Cyprus on the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 Women, Peace, and Security for the period 2020-2025. And I would like to inform you that it has been translated in both Greek and Turkish languages, with the support of the UN Women, and has been published on the official government website of the Commissioner for Gender Equality. Also, bi-communal programs are organized to bring the people of the two communities closer. Furthermore, and in our effort to strengthen communication with our co-patriot citizens, free Turkish language courses are offered by the state, which are attended by Greek Cypriots, and at the same time, free Greek language courses are offered to the Turkish Cypriot citizens. Thank you.

I would like to continue just to give also a brief addition to my colleague about trafficking concerning victims of trafficking who are not accommodated in shelters. The Social Welfare Services provide emergency financial assistance and arrangements for accommodation. Furthermore, every victim is entitled to GMI, Minimum Guaranteed Income, which includes, among others, allowances for rent and other expenses, and assistance is provided also to find permanent accommodation. Now I will continue with the issue of Roma. Indeed, as stated yesterday, according to Article 2 of the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, Roma people living in Cyprus are considered to be citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and members of the Turkish Cypriot community. According to the official latest population consensus of the Republic of Cyprus undertaken by the Statistical Services of Cyprus in 2021, the number of Roma people residing in the areas under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus amounts to 243 Roma people.

In the 2021 consensus of the population, the provision was provided in order for people to identify themselves as Roma people, and the question that was included was also referring to Roma Gurbeti, which is basically Gurbeti is a subgroup of Roma people residing in Cyprus. As citizen of Cyprus, of course, Roma people can enjoy all citizens' rights. The Social Welfare Services, of course, provide all services provided to the citizens of Cyprus with no discrimination. Of course, as we mentioned as well yesterday, as the national contact point, we have created the National Roma Strategic Framework in cooperation with all the relevant services and governmental and non-governmental agencies in Cyprus concerning provisions for Roma people residing in Cyprus. I would like also to mention that this year the National Roma Strategic Framework will also be revised within 2026. The Social Welfare Services within their competencies provide preventive and supportive social services to all the people in need, including Roma people, which include services for the protection of children, the promotion of their welfare and best interest, as well as strengthening and supporting families in order to enable their members to effectively exercise their role. Furthermore, they support individuals, families, and communities to cope with social problems, and finally, they promote synergies with local authorities and non-governmental organizations for the designing and development of programs to address the needs of the community. Furthermore, we would like to mention that Roma people are also, if they have financial problems, they are entitled to apply for Minimum Guaranteed Income, which basically is a financial support for families or individuals, which also includes rent allowance so that they can find a suitable accommodation. Now I will give the lead to my colleagues, they will give you more information concerning education, health, and employment of Roma people. Thank you.

In the Republic of Cyprus, education is compulsory for all children within the age range prescribed by the relevant national legislation and is provided free of charge in public schools. The current legal framework introduces a gradual extension of compulsory pre-primary education, starting from the age of four years, adding eight months progressively until full implementation is achieved by the school year 2031-2032. Compulsory education up to the age of 15 years constitutes a fundamental guarantee of equal access to learning and aims to ensure that every child acquires the core knowledge, skills, and values necessary for active participation in society, including respect for human dignity, equality, and diversity. The Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth closely monitors school attendance and, in cooperation with schools and families, implements supportive and targeted interventions where appropriate with a view to promoting regular participation and preventing early school leaving. When parents violate the compulsory education law, the relevant provisions of the law are followed.

Turkish Cypriot and Cyprus Roma pupils as well as pupils belonging to the three religious groups can attend a public or a private school of their choice. The fees of these pupils, if they opt to attend private schools in the government-controlled areas, are fully subsidized by the government, something which is not the case for Greek Cypriots. The right of education for all children is safeguarded in Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus. Moreover, the equality of all children enrolled in schools is guaranteed by the legislation. The Ministry continues the implementation of measures to cater for the particular needs of Cyprus Roma pupils enrolled in public schools. Amongst others, the following measures were implemented in the two schools where Cyprus Roma pupils are enrolled, one primary and one secondary general.

The schools continue the implementation of the program School and Social Inclusion Actions Plus that includes the following additional measures: extra support provided to pupils in language and mathematics; teacher assistance in all classes; additional extra activities such as sports and dancing during school hours as well as after school hours; lessons for Greek as a foreign language are provided to children during school hours to reinforce their communication skills; implementation of projects and targeted activities that aim to eliminate discrimination and social stereotypes and promote equality; employment of Turkish Cypriot teachers who teach Turkish language, history, Muslim religion, and other social issues, as well as a bilingual teacher in order to overcome the linguistic barrier arising from the low proficiency in the Greek language; teaching the Kurbetcha language as a dialect of Roma origin to pupils in primary education. Teaching activities are implemented during the afternoon program of the school. Also, active participation of Cyprus Roma pupils in various school events, including anti-racist initiatives, school conferences, and extracurricular activities; regular visits to local mosques to foster intercultural understanding; provision of access to computers or tablets and internet connectivity at home for pupils lacking personal equipment and internet access; provision of education at home targeting Cyprus Roma pupils identified as at high risk for school failure; provision of free breakfast to Cyprus Roma pupils; and the creation of sensitization culture against racism and intolerance and the promotion of equality and respect and as integral part of the curriculum in various subjects.

Turkish is an elective subject for the second grade of lyceum, and according to the curriculum and the timetables approved by the Council of Ministers, the two compulsory foreign languages in public schools in the government-controlled areas are English and French. The so-called universities operating in the area of the Republic of Cyprus which remains under Turkish military occupation since 1974 are unlawfully operating bodies since they have not been established nor have they been operating under the relevant laws and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus on higher education.

In addition, they operate under the purported law of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which according to international law is an illegal entity not recognized by the international community. Therefore, these institutions as well as the qualifications they award are not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus. Finally, many of the so-called universities are built on property belonging to Greek Cypriot displaced persons forced to flee their homes because of the Turkish invasion in 1974. It is important to note that under Cyprus Criminal Code, Cap 154, any person who with intent to defraud deals in immovable property belonging to another is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for up to seven years. Thank you.

Regarding the employment of the Cyprus Roma community, I would like to say that they continue to enjoy the full and effective exercise of their right to work in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus without discrimination in line with Article 5 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Equal access to the labour market is ensured through the general legal and policy framework which prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation. They have equal and non-discriminatory access to the labour market. The Public Employment Service of the Department of Labour provides without any discriminations on any ground free of charge services to all job seekers. These services include registration, job search assistance, job matching and placement, vocational guidance and counseling, as well as referrals to vocational training programs. They are entitled to equal opportunities to access education and vocational training programs without discrimination while benefiting from training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities offered through national initiatives and EU co-funded schemes which collectively support broader labour market integration efforts. Thank you.

Regarding access to healthcare, all EU and third-country nationals who legally reside in Cyprus are entitled to healthcare services. As such, EU Roma individuals have access to healthcare on the same basis as all other EU citizens legally residing in Cyprus, and Roma individuals who are third-country nationals have access to healthcare on the same basis as all other third-country nationals who legally reside in Cyprus. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, I hope we have covered everything. We look forward to the follow-up questions.

Well, thank you very much for your replies to the questions raised by members. I hope the members are satisfied. Now I have three minutes. If any member would like to pursue some of the issues that we are on, we can do it in those three minutes. Monsieur Guissé, s'il vous plaît, vous avez la parole.

Thank you very much. I wanted to thank my colleagues, Sibanda, Mr. Shepherd, Madame Shepherd, who answered, asked all these questions. Now, regarding one of the members of the delegation answering the question of entries and exit, created a link between illegality, quote-unquote, and irregularity of entries. It should be pointed out that illegality or legality of migrants is not based on entries. It could be, and that's true in most countries, the result of policies within the country. It could be an expired visa, for example. I don't think that's what's happening with Cyprus, but that could lead to that. In paragraph 23 of the report, they say quite clearly that in Cyprus there is no regularization policy, for example. So that's a response. So I would like to know if Cyprus is thinking implementing practical modalities for regularizing people. Thank you.

Merci, Monsieur Guissé. The floor is yours. You have about minute and a half.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to speak with the relevant ministry and get back to the Committee on this if there is any new approach to this situation concerning practical modalities. As you know, we always act in line with our international and EU obligations and in line with international law in these matters. If there is anything that needs to be changed concerning practical modalities, we will research this and get back to the Committee as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Now I'm going to ask the Committee's follow-up rapporteur, Madame Tlakula, to inform the delegation about what's gonna happen next. Madame Tlakula, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chairperson, for giving me the floor. First and foremost, I would like to thank the State party for submitting the follow-up report after the examination of the last periodic report. And the follow-up report was also very helpful because it addressed most of the questions that we had requested. So once again, after the adoption of the concluding observations, those concluding observations will once again have a paragraph on follow-up to the recommendations that the Committee will have made. So in that follow-up report, we will specifically point out the paragraphs, and you will then be requested to submit within a year of the receipt of the concluding observation information on the measures that you will have taken to implement those recommendations. So please, once again, we ask you to oblige us with that. And just also to reiterate that the follow-up procedure is provided for in Article 1 of the Convention and in Rule 74 of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee. Thank you very much, Chair.

Thank you, Madame Tlakula. I will turn to Madame Shepherd, the rapporteur, for her final remarks.

Thank you very much, Chair. I wish to thank you first of all for guiding this interactive dialogue so expertly and, of course, for assuming the chairmanship and really doing a great job so far. I thank Her Excellency and the delegation of the Republic of Cyprus for the frank and open responses to our questioning, and we will proceed, of course, with drafting the concluding observations. I thank the co-rapporteur for his role in the dialogue. I thank my colleagues for their interventions. And of course, the members of the Secretariat led by Ms. Saunders for all the help. I thank in a very big way Anders and Jasmine sitting at the back there for the fantastic job they did in supporting me and Mr. Sibanda as we waded through a mountain of documents and frame our questions. As the delegation departs and as we do the COBs and as you deliberate more on this experience and send us documents, I just want to say that let's all be reminded of the ICERD, especially Article 2: State parties condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms and promoting understanding among all races. And to this end, each State party undertakes to engage in no act or practice of racial discrimination against persons, groups of persons, or institutions and to ensure that all public authorities and public institutions, national and local, shall act in conformity with this obligation. May we all commit to this as we go forward. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Madame Shepherd. I will now turn towards Madame head of delegation, Your Excellency, for your concluding remarks.

Thank you, dear Mr. Chair. I very much hope that we have made clear these last two days that during the period under review, there were significant positive developments regarding Cyprus' compliance not just with the letter but also with the spirit of the ICERD. We have tried to convey how many anti-discrimination laws were enacted or updated and policies adopted, national action plans were initiated or updated as an ongoing process aiming at promoting human rights and combating racism and all forms of discrimination. Of course, there are always challenges in terms of implementation and there is always room for improvement. I believe our commitment to working with the Committee is shown, for example, by the fact that our 25th periodic report was submitted ahead of time. Dear Mr. Chair, distinguished members of the Committee, allow me to conclude by reaffirming the strong political will and the steadfast commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to the effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to the ongoing strengthening of measures aimed at preventing and combating racial discrimination. We attach great importance to our constructive dialogue with the Committee as we believe it supports our continuous efforts to enhance legislation, institutions, policies, and practices in line with our international obligations. Cyprus will continue to work consistently towards promoting equality and tolerance, combating discrimination in all its forms, and fostering an inclusive society based on respect for human dignity and the rule of law. We thank the Committee for its careful consideration of our report and the fruitful dialogue we have had yesterday and today. It has given us a lot of food for thought and a lot of work to be done in the future. We look forward to receiving your concluding observations once they are adopted and to continuing our cooperation in the period ahead. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Madame head of delegation. Well, in my turn, I thank the delegation for the frank and constructive dialogue that we have gone through so far. Unfortunately, because of my position as Chair, I could not contribute to the lively discussion that we had, which would make it even livelier. But nevertheless, thank you, colleagues. Thank you, rapporteurs. We are going to use all of this information and all of that input to draw the concluding observations. I will remind the delegation that you have 48 hours, it's not a deadline, it's a functional 48 hours for our Secretariat to compile everything, to provide us with written contributions for anything that you see relevant for us drawing the concluding observations. So, I would like to thank also the interpreters very much and the conference services for facilitating our dialogue here. Finally, I will remind the colleagues that we have a private committee meeting starting at 13:45, quarter to two today, in room 3016, third floor. And we will reconvene here at 3 o'clock, 15 hours, for the closed meeting of the Committee. With that, I will now close the 3204th meeting of the Committee.