Cyprus: Prospects remain dim of political resolution to change situation of IDPs
30 Jun 2009 14:45:00 GMT Source: IDMC
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Greek Cypriot family who has
lived in this Turkish Cypriot house since fleeing the north in 1974.
IDMC/Nadine Walicki, March 2009
Both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been forcibly displaced by conflict and communal violence on the island.
Greek Cypriots were displaced in 1974 by what they ar-gue was an illegal Turkish military invasion and occupation, while Turkish Cypriots faced multiple rounds of displacement up to 1974 and believe
the Turkish intervention liberated them from Greek Cypriot domination. In both cases, thousands of people were forced from their homes, suffered significant loss and needed large-scale assistance.
During the last wave of displacement in 1974, Greek Cypriots fled to the southern part of the Republic of Cyprus, while Turkish Cypriots took refuge in the north under what eventu-ally was
declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which only Turkey has recog-nised. In the absence of a peace agreement, the areas have remained divided ever since with the UN maintaining a buffer
zone between them. While many Greek Cypriots still expect to be able to return and receive a remedy for lost property, most Turkish Cypriots consider their displacement to the north a permanent move
and are more concerned with what will happen to the property they are currently living in should the division of the island end.
Peace talks have picked up momentum with new leadership on
both sides, but compromise is still needed. A solution should consider the rights of all people affected by the Cyprus problem, and ultimately uphold the rights of as many people in both communities
as possi-ble. Politicians and members of working groups should consult international experts on property and return issues related to internal displacement, as well as with IDPs, prior to reaching an
agreement. A solution will have more chance of long-term success if IDPs’ in-terests are incorporated.
Internally displaced boys, who fled a military offensive in the Swat valley region, are silhouetted at a playground in the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) Yar Hussain camp in ...
