Of Ismini Georgia Dionysiou*
During my academic studies I had the opportunity to volunteer as a research assistant in the Inpeace project, which is funded by the European Union (EU) under the Turkish Cypriot community aid program and implemented by ICLAIM (Interdisciplinary Center for Law and Law) (Human Rights Platform – HRP). The project focused on the bi -communal technical committees. I did not know before the existence and scope of the work of these committees. However, through my involvement with this research, I have learned two important elements that refer to: first, the extensive efforts made by these committees to carry out their duties and, secondly, their lack of recognition, despite their profound impact on the daily lives of citizens.
There are a total of 12 bi -communal technical committees. The first seven were set up in 2008 by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot (Turkish Cypriot) and the Turkish Cypriot (Turkish) community to address the issues that affect the daily lives of citizens, through the encouragement and facilitation of interaction and interaction between the two communities. The committees cover a wide range of critical issues for both communities. In addition to the initial seven committees – dealing with areas such as the environment, crime and health – another five in 2015, increasing their total number to 12. Their responsibilities have expanded to include gender equality, education and culture, Cyprus. Despite their significant impact, the work of the bi -communal technical committees often goes unnoticed, taking some attention or recognition from the general public. However, their contribution is crucial to addressing practical issues that come from the division of the island, provided they provide a unique space for cooperation between the Turkish Cypriot and the Community in the midst of political stagnation.
The work of the Technical Committee on Crime and Crime, and in particular the Joint Communications Room – JCR, is one of the most important achievements of these bodies. This initiative facilitated the exchange of information between the two communities in over 1,000 cases, and made it possible to transfer suspects for criminal offenses. The process consists of providing information from the Republic of Cyprus to the Greek Cypriot volunteer in the joint communication room, who then communicates it to his Turkish Cypriot counterpart. The Turkish Cypriot official then transferred the information to the Turkish Cypriot police. This procedure is also performed reverse, thereby ensuring effective cooperation between communities.
Another notable achievement that played an important role in building confidence was the return of 219 painting tables, which were considered lost or stolen since 1974, by Turkish Cypriots to their legal owners. Among them are some of the most important works of Greek Cypriot artists. In February 2020, the exchanges took place, which was returned to the Republic of Cyprus by these paintings, while the Turkish Cypriot community received archival material in the Turkish language, produced by RIK between 1960-1963. These tapes record cultural and sporting events of historical importance for the Turkish Cypriot community, further helping to strengthen cooperation and understanding.
Another important milestone was the establishment of the bi -communal technical committee for gender equality. Despite the adversity and obstacles faced with by the Commission, its very existence is an important step in progress in the efforts to build peace in Cyprus. Having been established in the context of a patriarchal system, which has long set the gender dimension during the negotiations, the Commission is a crucial step towards abolishing exclusions, as long as it is responsible for ensuring the complete, equal and substantial participation of women in the process of settlement. Although facing structural challenges, limited funding and lack of political will to support its mission, its efforts demonstrate its commitment to gender equality in the context of resolving the conflict. The creation of the Commission marks the recognition that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the complete and substantial involvement of women and marginalized gender identities. Despite the criticism she has received because of the ambiguity of the subject of her work and her limited cooperation with civil society, her establishment has already contributed to the public’s awareness of the relationship between the dimension of the sex and the peace process. The fact that gender equality is now part of the wider framework for negotiations, calls into question the established order of things and exerts at least some pressure on political leaders to recognize the need for a more participatory approach. Although there are many remaining, the Commission has laid the foundations for future progress, demonstrating that change is possible and necessary to achieve sustainable peace and stability, even within deeply rooted patriarchal structures.
The work of the committees, although often overlooked, has a tangible impact on our daily lives. From the prevention of crime and justice to cultural rehabilitation and equal gender involvement, their contribution concerns real issues of society that affect both communities. The technical committees not only facilitate cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, but also deal with practical concerns and enhance dialogue. Their work proves that, even in the absence of political settlement, substantial cooperation is not only possible, but also necessary to achieve progress.
This publication was funded by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of iClaim and Human Rights Platform, and does not necessarily reflect the positions of the European Union.
*Trainee in iClaim