Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Concluding observations on the twenty-third and twenty- fourth periodic reports of Cyprus

Country

Cyprus

Title

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Concluding observations on the twenty-third and twenty- fourth periodic reports of Cyprus

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Year

2017

Type of publication

Report

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Council of Europe body

Institution

CERD | Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Main Thematic Focus

Racism & xenophobia Hate speech Discrimination

Target Population

Muslims Ethnic minorities

Key findings

The report found there was a lack of accountability of perpetrators of racist stereotypes and hate speech in the public sphere, as right wing extremists and neo-Nazis were using violence against migrants and Turkish Cypriots due to insufficient legislation and enforcement. It further criticised the lack of data on court cases where the CERD and the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia were invoked, the gaps in legislation flagged in the previous reporting rounds and the fact that the Ombudsman cannot appoint his or her own staff and lacks the financial and human resources necessary to impartially and effectively carry out its mandate. It pointed out that the low number of complaints for racial discrimination reported by the government and the even fewer prosecutions and convictions does not necessarily mean there is no discrimination, but may signify barriers in access to justice.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Desktop and consultations with stakeholders, NGOs and public authorities

Sample details and representativeness

N/A

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