A/HRC/19/22
classified in the enhanced procedure and to inter-State cases. In respect of the question of
the homes and property of displaced Greek Cypriots, the Deputies at their 1128th meeting,
took note of the request of the Cypriot delegation to the Committee of Ministers, to suspend
its examination of this question in the Cyprus v. Turkey inter-State case until the European
Court of Human Rights has pronounced itself on the recent application for just satisfaction,
and the Deputies decided to continue their discussion on this question, along with that
related to the property rights of enclaved persons, at their 1136th meeting in March 2012.44
31.
The situation in Varosha, the former resort town near Famagusta which is currently
under the control of the Turkish military, remains unchanged and the United Nations holds
the Government of Turkey responsible for the status quo in Varosha.45
E.
Freedom of religion and cultural rights
32.
According to article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has
the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, which includes freedom to change
his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public
or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. 46
Furthermore, according to article 27, everyone has the right freely to participate in the
cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts as well as to share in scientific
advancement and its benefits.47
33.
Access to sites and icons of religious and cultural significance continues to be
facilitated by UNFICYP. During the reporting period, the mission facilitated more than 30
religious and commemorative events, involving more than 9,000 individuals, which were
either held in or required crossing of the buffer zone. 48
34.
However, several incidents and problems for Greek Cypriots with regard to
manifesting their right to freedom of religion or belief were taken up by the Special
Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and UNFICYP also made representations to the
Turkish Cypriot authorities. 49 On 25 December 2010, Turkish Cypriot authorities
interrupted a Christmas service for the Greek Cypriot residents in the Church of Saint
Sinesios in Rizokarpaso and reportedly refused permission for the holding of Christmas
mass in the Church of the Holy Trinity in the nearby village of Yialoussa. On 4 February
2011, Christian worshippers on the Karpas peninsula were allegedly prevented from
holding evening masses. On 17 March 2011, Turkish Cypriot authorities confiscated 100
copies of the New Testament and 104 prayer books thatthe Greek Cypriot side had sought
to transport to the north, and pilgrims to the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas were
reportedly required to pay an entrance fee. Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot authorities
rejected requests to hold religious services in Rizokarpaso on 25 March 2011, and in Vatyli
on Easter Monday, 20 April 2011.
44
45
46
47
48
49
12
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’ Deputies Decisions adopted at the 1128th meeting, 29
November-2 December 2011 (CM/Del/Dec(2011)1128), on the case of Cyprus v. Turkey (25781/94).
S/2011/332, para. 7; S/2011/746, para. 10.
See also article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Declaration on
the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
(General Assembly resolution 36/55).
See also article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
S/2011/332, para. 13; information received from UNFICYP.
A/HRC/18/51, cases OTH 2/2011 (allegation letter of 17 February 2011) and OTH 3/2011 (urgent
appeal of 21 April 2011); S/2011/332, para. 17.
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