The 2024 US State Department Human Rights Report highlights ongoing concerns in both Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), focusing on issues such as prison conditions, freedom of expression, and press freedom.
Overview of the 2024 US Human Rights Report
The US State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report has been published, with findings covering both Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). According to the report, there were no significant changes in the overall human rights situation on either side of the island compared to the previous year.
🇬🇷 Southern Cyprus Findings
The report highlights several ongoing concerns in the areas administered by the Greek Cypriot Administration:
- Allegations of inhuman or degrading treatment despite constitutional safeguards.
- The Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) reported instances of prison staff slapping inmates, intimidating them with sticks, and verbal abuse during its 2023 visit.
- While measures were taken against officials involved in rights violations, instances of impunity remain limited but present.
Although the Greek Cypriot Administration generally respects freedom of expression and press freedom, concerns remain over isolated abuses and mistreatment in detention facilities.
🇹🇷 TRNC Findings
The section on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) notes both progress and continuing challenges:
- Concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, with accusations of violence or threats against journalists and activists.
- The penal code prohibits ill-treatment of detainees, but civil society organizations report risks due to the lack of security cameras in detention centers and the central prison.
- While laws protect press freedom, some journalists and rights groups claim these rights are not fully upheld in practice.
Despite these criticisms, the report acknowledges that TRNC authorities have taken steps to investigate and punish violations, marking gradual progress in human rights accountability.
📰 Key Takeaway
The 2024 US Human Rights Report underscores that both South Cyprus and the TRNC continue to face challenges, particularly regarding treatment of detainees, accountability in prisons, and freedom of expression. While reforms and legal protections exist, international observers stress the need for greater transparency and enforcement on both sides of the island. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io