A/HRC/26/14
98.
An Independent Committee appointed by the Council of Ministers had undertaken a
fundamental review of the Prisons Law and regulations, particularly the disciplinary
system, in line with international human rights instruments and norms and with the case law
of the European Court of Human Rights. The project would be completed by the end of
2014.
99.
An expert had been methodically reviewing all previously announced or
unannounced policy and practice that had not been legislated for, with a view to issuing
legislative provisions or protocols as appropriate.
100. The right of foreign workers to equal terms and conditions of employment as those
enjoyed by Cypriot citizens was safeguarded through written contracts signed by the
employer and the employee. Terms and conditions of employment were in accordance with
the relevant collective agreements concluded by employers’ and workers’ organizations.
Equal and fair treatment was further strengthened through the 2012 Private Employment
Agency Law which regulated the establishment and operation of private employment
agencies. In 2013, the Department of Labour Relations had examined 23 labour complaints
and forwarded them to the police for further examination and prosecution of the persons
responsible.
101. In order to protect the rights of all workers employed in Cyprus, regardless of
whether they were Cypriot citizens, EU nationals or non-EU nationals, a complaints
mechanism was in operation at each District Labour Relations Οffice. In 2012, the
complaints mechanism had been successful in providing relevant advice leading to
mutually agreed satisfactory solutions and ongoing employment relationships between 30
workers and their employers. From January to September 2013, 19 such complaints had
been resolved, resulting in the preservation of the employment relationship.
102. Cyprus continuously strengthened its efforts to improve the working conditions of
all non-EU national workers, which were clearly established in employment contracts. The
terms of employment of non-EU national workers in all economic activities were the same
as those provided in collective agreements, which safeguarded equal treatment among all
workers in Cyprus.
103. All work permit applications submitted by employers were examined by a tripartite
committee consisting of representatives of the Department of Labour Relations and
workers’ and employers’ organizations. The committee inspectors conducted random
inspections at workplaces.
104. Cyprus continuously enhanced its efforts to improve the working conditions of
domestic workers, as established in the contracts of employment, which were signed by
both parties.
105. The ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) addressed areas which
were largely covered by EU law in the areas of social policy, anti-discrimination, judicial
cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and immigration. Cyprus considered that the
provisions of the Convention were largely met by national law and practice in that field. In
view of the current financial situation in Cyprus, standards that had not already been met
could not be fulfilled at that time. Therefore, Cyprus could not yet commit to ratifying that
Convention.
106. Cyprus had adopted and was implementing a strategy to combat domestic violence
through the pioneering Violence in the Family Laws. The Manual of Interdepartmental
Cooperation on Domestic Violence provided a framework on collaboration between
professionals and focused on interdepartmental cooperation.
107. Turkish Cypriot students could attend any public or a private school of their choice
in the Government-controlled areas; their fees for private schools were fully subsidized by
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