Комиссар по правам человека

Strasbourg, 26/07/10 – "Progressive measures have been taken to fight trafficking in human beings. It is now crucial for Cyprus to step up efforts to eradicate this scourge totally" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, publishing today a letter sent to the Minister of Interior of Cyprus. The letter followed the Commissioner's visit to Cyprus on 10 June and focuses also on the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

The Commissioner welcomes the measures taken to combat trafficking, in particular the abolition of the much criticised ‘cabaret artist visa' and the introduction of the new action plan 2010 - 2012. However, he is concerned that other types of work permits, such as the one for bar maids, might be used to circumvent the law. "The authorities should remain vigilant against organised crime and ensure that no type of visa or working permit can be abused for such unlawful purposes as trafficking in human beings."

The Commissioner underlines that ongoing awareness-raising efforts should be complemented with measures aimed at eliminating the nexus of sexual demand with trafficking. In this context, he invites the authorities to seek cooperation with international bodies and other countries with experience in this domain.

Commissioner Hammarberg also commends the continuous operation of the government-run shelter for victims of trafficking and calls on the authorities to ensure that budgetary cuts planned to face the economic crisis do not undermine adequate assistance to these victims.

With regard to the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees, the Commissioner appreciates the improvement of access to health care, the labour market and legal aid, and calls for the removal of administrative obstacles which might still hamper the full enjoyment of these rights.

Still, the Commissioner remains concerned about the long periods of detention with which some asylum seekers are faced following rejection of their applications. He urges the authorities to ensure an individual examination of each case in order to assess the purpose and proportionality of all asylum seekers' detention.

• Read the Commissioner's letter sent to the Minister of Interior of Cyprus
• Read the reply of the Minister of Interior of Cyprus