Civil Society
As part of the EU Aid Programme to encourage the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community (TCc) (Regulation (EC) 389/20061), assistance is being provided to support Cypriot Civil Society. One of the main objectives of the Aid Programme (objective 3) in this regards is “reconciliation, confidence building measures, and support to civil society”.
Strengthening of civil society in the northern part of Cyprus is a key factor in the development of a culture of dialogue, participation in community life and promotion of the values of tolerance, peace and active citizenship. The EU funded support to confidence building measures and joint-actions organised by civil society organisations from both communities strongly promotes reconciliation, dialogue, closer relationships and trust between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot communities.
Since 2007, the European Commission has launched eight calls for proposals for Civil Society in the Turkish Cypriot community, for a total amount of EUR 15 million. The grants awarded supported projects in a variety of fields. The main aims of these calls were:
- To strengthen civil society as a key actor in the development of a culture of dialogue, participation in the community life and the promotion of values of tolerance, peace and active citizenship.
- To promote reconciliation, dialogue, closer relationship and trust between the Turkish Cypriot (TC) and the Greek Cypriot communities through confidence building measures and joint-actions.
- To support CSOs’ capacity building and advocacy projects to reinforce sector-based networking and coordination and citizens’ involvement in policy design and monitoring.
- To raise awareness on, encourage coordination and develop the legal framework of the fight against trafficking in human beings and protect victims.
In parallel to these grant schemes, the Aid Programme funded technical assistances (TAs) for Turkish Cypriot CSOs: the civil society support team from 2008 until 2011 and Civic Space from 2015 until present. These TAs aimed at increasing CSOs capacities and strengthening their role and democratic engagement in the Turkish Cypriot community and within the EU. (More details on https://www.civicspace.eu)
Some examples of projects include:
Unspoken
Combat gender and sexual discrimination through dialogue and awareness raising on LGBTI rights
Resist Again violence
Elimination of domestic violence against women and children
Raise your voice, advocate for your rights
Development of communication and advocacy skills of Turkish Cypriot (TC) civil society and capacity of TC and Greek Cypriot (GC) media professionals
Patients’ Voice I
awareness raising and respect of patient’ rights
Human rights for all
Promotion and protection of human rights of persons in need of international protection’s
Leading by Example
engagement of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot Business Leaders in Dialogue, Cooperation and Reconciliation
Protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage shared by Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities
The Caves of Kyrenia Mountains Project
Integrating Research, Conservation and Education
Patients’ Voice II
awareness raising and respect of patient’ rights
