Nicosia: Turkey's policies have been criticized by Nicosia for negatively impacting Turkish Cypriots by undermining their identity, restricting freedoms, and depriving them of full rights as Cypriot and European citizens. Nicosia rejected Turkey's 'unfounded allegations' made during the Item 2 General Debate at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus emphasized the international community's responsibility to ensure equal protection for all Cypriots in situations of foreign military aggression and occupation. Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral human rights framework, with the UN and its mechanisms at its core.
In a Note Verbale dated April 20, 2026, Cyprus addressed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, requesting the circulation of its response as a document for the Human Rights Council's sixty-first session. Cyprus expressed full support for OHCHR's role in promoting global human rights, accountability, and the rule of law.
Cyprus highlighted the need for the Human Rights Council and OHCHR to maintain focus on Cyprus amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Nicosia specifically pointed to ongoing violations of international law resulting from Turkey's continued military occupation of one-third of Cyprus.
Cyprus argued for equal protection for all Cypriots and warned that the credibility of international law and the UN system would be compromised if countries like Turkey avoided accountability. The statement pointed to the OHCHR's annual report on human rights in Cyprus, which underscores violations from the 1974 Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation.
Cyprus rejected Turkey's allegations and secessionist pursuits, condemning Ankara's diversion from its responsibility for human rights violations in Cyprus. Cyprus dismissed Turkey's claims of a unilateral right to invade, stating they contradict the UN Charter and are unequivocally rejected.
The Cypriot response labeled the 1974 Turkish invasion as aggression and a clear breach of international law, citing repeated UN condemnations. It highlighted the unlawful occupation's impact on all Cypriots, including displacement and repression, and accused Turkey of demographic and cultural alterations in the occupied north.
Cyprus accused Turkey of isolating Turkish Cypriots and undermining Cypriot sovereignty through military activities in occupied areas. The statement concluded with a call for Turkey to withdraw troops, abandon secessionist policies, and comply with international law to end rights violations against Cypriots.