Filenews 25 April 2023 - by Despina Psillou
A series of human rights violations in Cyprus, according to a report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). A total of 197 minors live permanently in Pournara, a large portion of unaccompanied children do not receive education, schools overwhelmingly do not implement the anti-racism codes. Despite the increase in incidents of hate speech, few are reported, and only six have been convicted. The rights of irregular migrants are not protected. There is a lack of trust in the institutions and in the judiciary. The findings of the report were discussed in the House Human Rights Committee, which will return to examine individual issues identified.
According to ECRI, there are a number of issues of concern:
Hate speech affecting various interest groups for ECRI remains widespread in Cypriot public discourse. There is no comprehensive system for monitoring incidents of hate speech. Also, cases of severe and immediate condemnation of racist and other forms of hate speech and counter-speech by public figures remain sporadic.
As noted in the Commission, 49 cases of hate speech were registered and only six were convicted. There is the widespread problem of under-reporting hate incidents. The main reasons are alleged to be the lack of trust in the police and the criminal justice system in general to handle such cases, the report said.
The institution of the Commissioner for Administration, which is the only equality body in Cyprus, still does not have the competence to initiate or participate in court proceedings and lawsuits on behalf of victims of discrimination or intolerance. According to data from the Commissioner's office, 165 complaints were received in 2021, 65 complaints in 2020, 71 complaints in 2019, 52 complaints in 2018, 57 complaints in 2017 and 35 complaints in 2016.
The "Code of Conduct against Racism & Guide for the Management and Recording of Racist Incidents" of the Ministry of Education, which was implemented in the school year 2014-2015, does not apply. Out of 475 schools in Cyprus, 41 to 129 schools submitted annual reports of racist incidents per year during the period 2016-2021. The total number of racist incidents reported by these schools ranged from 124 to 357 over the same period.
Schools also note the lack of sex education and that there is currently no mandatory teacher training on LGBTIQ awareness.
ECRI is concerned about Orthodox confessions allegedly organized in schools without the consent of students or their parents, ignoring their views on religion and stigmatizing those who do not wish to participate. Confessional practices undermine the provision of inclusive education.
The fact that children applying for international protection of primary school age are usually placed in regular classes based on their age, without taking into account their previously acquired skills in basic school subjects and without preparatory Greek language courses, is an extremely important obstacle to their integration and success in school.
A particularly worrying issue is the reported practices of some LGBTIQ people undergoing so-called conversion therapy.
There are no so-called "firewalls" in all key policy areas related to the human rights of irregular migrants and that any proceedings or lawsuits in labour courts involving these migrants are likely to lead to their deportation.
Little information is available on the number of irregular migrants in Cyprus and their living conditions.
There is almost no way to regularise the status of irregular migrants, including children born in Cyprus or brought to the country at a young age.
Despite the commendable work of many NGOs, especially those supporting migrants in Cyprus, their possibilities to provide such support are at risk due to the new registration rules introduced in 2017.
ECRI asks the authorities to take action in various areas and makes a number of recommendations, including the following:
The authorities address the various long-standing gaps in the implementation of criminal laws to combat hate speech and hate-motivated violence. Among other things, authorities should review criminal laws on hate speech and hate-motivated violence, including redress for victims. Provide appropriate training to police officers, public prosecutors and judges on the use of appropriate criminal provisions to combat hate speech and hate-motivated violence.
Take measures so that school administrations ensure the effective implementation of existing anti-racist policies planned by the Ministry of Education.
The Cypriot authorities to prepare a national LGBTI strategy, accompanied by a national action plan, with enhanced action against anti-LGBTI hate speech among its key elements.
197 children currently reside in Pournara
Serious allegations were made by university professor and director of the Center for Fundamental Rights, Nikos Trimikliniotis. Among other things, he noted that those responsible should be concerned about illegal pushbacks of migrants. The fact that 197 children have been living in Pournara for years, in miserable living conditions. That vulnerable groups do not have access to justice. That 2/3 of unaccompanied children do not receive education. That there is a lack of trust in institutions. That citizens believe that nothing will be done if they make a complaint and fear that they will be treated with prejudice by those responsible.
Members of the committee expressed their concerns about the report's findings. In particular, the deputy chairman of the committee and AKEL MP, Giorgos Koukoumas, noted that hate speech poisons society. The ECRI report is an extremely important tool for those states that really want to fight racism, promote human rights and equality. This year's ECRI report on our country highlights a number of issues where Cyprus is failing or needs to do much more.
The issues of racism and human rights violations should not concern us only when they are in the news due to an incident that provokes the indignation of society, we need the state to draw up and implement plans and policies.
POINT OF VIEW
They must earn our trust
Despite the increase in incidents of hate speech, expressed by both officials and ordinary citizens, complaints are in the minority. According to what was said in the Human Rights Commission, in the last five years only 49 cases of hate speech have been prosecuted and only six have been convicted. Of course, the figures do not correspond to reality.
According to the report, the widespread problem of under-reporting of hate incidents persists. "The main reasons are alleged to be the lack of trust in the police and the criminal justice system in general to handle such cases, as well as the lack of awareness of victims about their rights."
It is a disgrace that they have lost the confidence of the citizens. The State must reflect and take immediate action.
