A/HRC/10/37
page 4
7.
In the context of law enforcement, particularly in relation to trafficking in human beings,
the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe notes
that organized criminals involved in these activities are able to benefit from the lack of contact
and cooperation between the law enforcement agencies from both sides.8 There is some concern
about trafficking in human beings, in particular trafficking of women for sexual exploitation, as
was noted by Mr. Hammarberg in his report.9
8.
With regard to complaints of discrimination made by the Turkish Cypriot community in
Limassol reported last year and principally related to the lack of social services, adequate
housing and the difficulty in obtaining identity documents, a committee comprising
representatives from different local authorities, including welfare, municipal, education and
housing offices, has meanwhile been established in order to improve the coordination of welfare
action directed to Turkish Cypriots in the south.10 The bicommunal social centre established by
the municipality of Limassol to address some of these concerns continues to function. Members
of the Turkish Cypriot community living in the south, among them Roma, particularly in
Limassol and Paphos, have however continued to seek UNFICYP facilitation in obtaining
identity documents, housing, welfare services, medical care, and employment.11
9.
As in previous years, property rights remain an issue of concern, and property disputes
continue to be brought before the European Court of Human Rights (the Court). Meanwhile, the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe continues to supervise execution of the
judgements of the landmark property cases brought before the Court. On 4 December 2008, the
Committee adopted an interim resolution on Xenides-Arestis v. Turkey, the pilot case dealing
with the issue of displaced persons and violation of their property rights in the north.12
Concerning the payment of just satisfaction, the Committee of Ministers strongly insisted that
Turkey pay the applicant the sums awarded in the judgement of the European Court of
7 December 2006. Also in relation to the issue of the property rights of displaced persons, and in
reference to the Cyprus v. Turkey (2001) case, the Committee reiterated their insistent invitation
to the Turkish authorities to reply to their questions relating to the execution of the judgement of
the Court.13
8
Report on the situation in Cyprus, Political Affairs Committee, Parliamentary Assembly,
Council of Europe, 12 September 2008, doc. 11699, para. 48.
9
CommDH(2008)36, paras. 32-33.
10
A/HRC/7/46, para. 8.
11
S/2008/744, para. 30.
12
Interim resolution CM/ResDH(2008)99.
13
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, Ministers’ Deputies’ decisions, 1043rd (DH)
meeting, 2-4 December 2008.
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