A/HRC/28/20
Gender Advisory Team endeavoured to sketch out the parameters for making the
citizenship clauses of an eventual agreement more gender-sensitive.
IV. Conclusions
53.
During the period under review, there were some positive developments with
regard to the promotion and protection of human rights in Cyprus, including progress
in the identification and return of the remains of missing persons, an improved
climate of interreligious communication and cooperation, and progress in
conservation works of cultural heritage sites on the whole island.
54.
The persisting division of the island still, however, hinders the full enjoyment,
in mutual confidence by the whole population of Cyprus, of all human rights and
fundamental freedoms. These include the right to life and the question of missing
persons, the principle of non-discrimination, freedom of movement, property rights,
freedom of religion and cultural rights, freedom of opinion and expression, and the
right to education.
55.
Various United Nations human rights mechanisms have voiced their concern at
factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of international human rights
standards on the whole island. In this context, United Nations treaty bodies, special
procedures and the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review addressed their
questions and recommendations to Cyprus, Turkey and the de facto authorities in the
northern part of the island.
56.
As concluded in previous OHCHR reports on the question of human rights in
Cyprus, it is hoped that the efforts to negotiate and achieve a comprehensive
settlement of the protracted conflict in Cyprus will ultimately open avenues to
improve the situation of human rights on the island. In the spirit of the SecretaryGeneral’s “Human Rights Up Front” initiative, addressing underlying human rights
issues and causes should be an increasingly important part of peacekeeping efforts
and also underpin the political dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive
settlement of the Cyprus problem. Ensuring adequate women’s participation and the
consideration of gender-related issues in these discussions is vital.
57.
Further visits by special procedures mandate holders are encouraged, including
on cultural rights, minority issues, the human rights of internally displaced persons,
the right to education, and enforced or involuntary disappearances. It is imperative
that OHCHR and other relevant actors have access to the whole island, all pertinent
authorities and persons affected.
58.
Human rights do not have any borders; all stakeholders are thus obliged to
uphold the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all people. It is vital that all
human rights protection gaps and underlying human rights issues in situations of
protracted conflict be addressed.
16
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