[Cyprus Times] Commission: €2.5 million support to civil society organisations in the TC community

Twelve new contracts totalling €2.5 million to support civil society organisations in the Turkish Cypriot community, aiming to strengthen their role, promote the values of the European Union and create a favourable environment for dialogue and cooperation between the two communities, were signed in the last quarter of 2021 by the European Commission, according to an announcement.

In particular, 11 new contracts were signed with various TC civil society organisations (for a total amount of €1.8 million) anda direct grant contract of €700 thousand to support the TC Platform for Human Rights.

As noted, the contracts concern projects to be implemented over the next two to three years in the areas of access of vulnerable or minority groups to human rights, empowerment of youth and women, rights of the sick, workers and elderly, promotion of sustainable development goals, waste management, and environmental education and activism.

The funding is part of the seventh call for proposals entitled "Cypriot Civil Society in Action", through which civil society organisations are encouraged to advocate for meaningful socio-economic change through participation in decision-making and policy implementation, both at local and EU level, while promoting cooperation between Cypriot communities.

The direct grant contract concerns the Human Rights Platform, which brings together various Cypriot civil society organisations with the aim of defending human rights and developing a more just, equitable, democratic and inclusive society.

The project, which will be implemented over the next two years, will focus mainly on the fight against human trafficking, refugee rights, LGBTQ+ rights, democratic participation in decision-making, including freedom of association and freedom of expression, conditions of detention and the prohibition of torture.

The platform will develop cooperative relations with Greek Cypriot civil society organisations and EU-level organisations, as well as civil society networks, and is open to other rights-based associations interested in participating.

As stated in the Communication, the Commission has since 2007 launched seven calls for proposals for civil society in the TC community for a total amount of €14 million, and one thematic call for proposals entitled "Together against incitement to violence".

By supporting civil society in the Turkish Cypriot community, the assistance programme contributes to the development of a fairer society based on respect for human dignity, human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, it adds.Source: CNA

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