International Mechanism Submissions

This report addresses Cyprus’ laws and policies with respect to combatting gender-based violence against women, including trafficking; non-discrimination of women and girls and women’s participation in political life; and protecting the rights of women migrants and asylum seekers. While Cyprus has made advances to promote the human rights of women, the responsible institutions lack adequate capacity, transparency, and coordination. Laws on domestic violence require harmonization and do not sufficiently protect victims. Cyprus does not effectively support all victims of gender-based violence, as it has not established rape crisis centers, sexual violence referral centers, or a suitable number of shelters. Additionally, Cyprus has failed to provide consistent, transparent, and disaggregated data on the implementation and effectiveness of its programs and the breadth of crimes of violence against women.