Major Challenges | Improvement of the relations between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities in order to build a viable solution to the ‘Cyprus Problem'; strong increase in the migrant population turning Cyprus into a host country of migration (seen as being the ‘first host country' for entrance to the EU); integration policy / social inclusion plan still missing; several incidents of racism and xenophobia concerning Pakistanis and Pontiac residents (from Ex-Soviet Union with Greek roots). |
Main Interpretations | Low awareness about the issue, but general idea of "positive participation in ICD of all people living in Cyprus - be they locals or immigrants; getting familiar with each others' culture and characteristics, thus enhancing tolerance, understanding and cooperation." |
No general authority, but the following bodies have general functions:
Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance
(http://www.mlsi.gov.cy/mlsi/mlsi.nsf/dmlindex_en/dmlindex_en?OpenDocument)
Policies: National Action Plan for Social Cohesion (monitored by the above Ministry).
Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) (http://www.ombudsman.gov.cy/Ombudsman/ombudsman.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument)
The Ombudsman is an independent officer acting as authority against Racism and Discrimination and for equal treatment in all areas of social life (e.g. employment, education, health, housing).
Committee of Experts from various ministries (Interior, Labour & Social Insurance, Education & Culture, Health)
Their tasks are to formulate a policy framework for the integration of legally residing foreigners and to prepare an action plan on the necessary measures each Ministry and Department would take.
EYID-coordination body:
Ministry of Education and Culture
(http://www.moec.gov.cy/)
In the NCB platform national authorities, social bodies and NGOs participate.
National implementation strategy: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/dialogue/strategies_en.html
Ministry of Education and Culture
(http://www.moec.gov.cy/)
Policies: Specific policy regarding the education of immigrant and non-native Greek speaking pupils in public schools.
Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO
(http://www.unesco.org.cy/english/index.shtm)
EX: Short film production contest on theme of Intercultural Dialogue. The contest was based on the concept of the UNESCO programme Real Intercultural Dialogue.
Ministry of Education and Culture
(http://www.moec.gov.cy/)
Provision of educational material for non native Greek speaking students and teacher training programmes on sensitive issues of intercultural education. The Ministry runs various programmes such as eTwinning, a framework for schools to collaborate on the Internet with partner schools in other European countries.
POLICIES: The ‘Zones of Educational Priority' policy (with pilot operation 2002-2006), aiming at qualitative improvement of the educational system, i.e. maximisation of its effectiveness to a degree that would lead all children to school success. One special target group are schools with a large proportion of immigrant and non-native Greek speaking students.
In all aspects of ICE (including research), the Ministry closely cooperates with the
Cyprus Pedagogical Institute
(http://www.pi.ac.cy/)
Cyprus Youth Board
(http://www.youthboard.org.cy/english/default.asp)
Programmes against racism (i.e. youth camps), bi-communal activities between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
Cyprus Sport Organisation
(http://cyprussports.org/index.php)
Sport for All since 1985.
United Nations Development Programme
(http://www.undp-act.org/MAIN/default.aspx)
POLICIES: UNDP's Initiative ‘Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT)' is a three-year programme (2005-2008) aimed at assisting Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to establish and strengthen long-term networks of cooperation on issues of common concern, while reinforcing a culture of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. Focus: projects in multicultural education, strengthening of civil society and promoting sustainable development. The programme provides funding and coordination support for projects that are designed and implemented by Cypriots, and which in turn actively promote inter-communal cooperation.
PLUS: For background information on activities aiming to overcome the ongoing Cypriot division, see also the following study:
Benjamin Broome, Building Bridges. Across the Green Line: A guide to Intercultural Communication in Cyprus (http://www.undp-act.org/main/default.aspx?tabid=52&ItemID=119&mid=175)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument)
Bilateral agreements with 40 countries aiming at collaboration in the field of culture. These agreements are implemented through the programmes of educational, scientific and cultural collaboration.
Policies: Larnaca Action Plan on interfaith understanding and cooperation for a peaceful world. (http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/All/B5339D1713B413C6C225722D003EE7A5/$file/Larnaca%20Action%20Plan%20-%20Final.pdf)
