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)
All existing women, peace and security (WPS) provisions in the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) should be maintained. Further, the language in the mandate stating the mission should support women’s meaningful participation, should be clarified to note this encompasses the missions’ activities related to bi-communal efforts, reconciliation, conflict resolution, and the peace process. 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.