U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cyprus
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cyprus
32nd Session
Geneva, January 29, 2018
as delivered by Anna Palladino
The United States welcomes the Republic of Cyprus delegation to the UPR Working Group.
We recommend that the Republic of Cyprus:
- Investigate and hold accountable law enforcement officials responsible for alleged mistreatment of persons in detention.
- Reduce restrictions on work authorizations for eligible asylum seekers as these restrictions put them at risk of unsafe working conditions and labor exploitation until the authorizations are provided.
- Process citizenship applications for children of mixed Turkish Cypriot and Turkish parents within a reasonable timeframe.
The United States recognizes the challenges the Republic of Cyprus faces related to migration and the political division of the island. Observers have noted recent improvements in migrants’ access to the asylum system.
Nevertheless, we are concerned about credible allegations, documented by the Council of Europe, that investigations of police for mistreatment of persons in detention were hampered by lack of resources and personal ties between accused police officers and investigators.