Cyprus
Cyprus
Women in Cyprus face few opportunities for public participation, low levels of political representation and educational achievement, high levels of sexual violence, and consistent obstruction of reproductive rights.
Strict traditional gender roles continue to subjugate women in Cyprus, contributing to the devastatingly low conviction rates for sexual violence crimes, and few services for survivors.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for full inclusion of women as full and equal partners in the continuing efforts to resolve long-standing disputes between Turkey and Greece, as well as encouraging Cyprus to develop a national action plan in accordance with Resolution 1325.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Cyprus (January 2016)
The Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The Council should recognize the critical role women play in the Cyprian peace process and support efforts to ensure women’s full and meaningful participation in the on-going negotiations. Specific language should be included in the operative paragraphs of the UNFICYP mandate to this effect, and references to the participation of civil society in the peace process must be strengthened (S/RES/2234, OP 3(d)). Further, all relevant UN offices in Cyprus should support the inclusion of women as full participants and integrate a gender perspective throughout the peace process to ensure gender concerns are addressed in any eventual outcomes, including working with the technical committee on gender equality, which includes the participation of both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women.
Relevant Resources
