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- Ελληνικά
The completion of one year of President Christodoulides' administration gives us the opportunity, within the framework of continuous accountability to citizens and for transparency purposes, to take stock and at the same time to present the planning of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order for 2024.
Before I begin, I would like to mention and thank my predecessor, Ms. Koukkidi-Prokopiou, who, as political head of the Ministry in 2023, led the effort to implement the positions and policies of the Christodoulides Government on justice and public order issues.
The presentation of the delivered work for the first year of governance and the plans for the second year takes place in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry and the heads of the Departments, the Chief of Police, the Chief Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Director of the Prisons Department and the Superintendent of the State Archives, as well as officials of the Ministry's administration.
As I have repeatedly stated, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is a complex Ministry with responsibilities in the critical and sensitive areas of justice, security and human rights.
All interventions that have been implemented in 2023 and those planned for 2024 serve the following ongoing and key objectives, which are an integral part of President Christodoulides' programme of governance.
- The consolidation of citizens' sense of security and the management of crises related to the security of the State;
- The respect of the fundamental freedoms and rights of all citizens.
PILLAR 1: JUSTICE
Justice reform remains a key priority for the Government and the Ministry. Our goal remains to advance and complete court reform, both by implementing projects already underway in 2023 and by preparing and tabling bills in the House of Representatives, with a focus on strengthening the primary jurisdiction.
Specifically, in 2023:
- The new Supreme Constitutional Court, the new Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal started operating.
- The new Civil Procedure Rules were implemented.
- The work of clearing the backlog of cases continued and, according to information from the courts, some positive results have started to be seen, at least to some extent. I am optimistic that in combination with all the interventions made for the reform of the judiciary, the desired results will be seen in due course, especially with regard to the time taken to hear cases.
- With the aim of strengthening alternative dispute resolution and in line with President Christodoulides' governance programme, mediation in civil disputes is being promoted. The main innovation introduced by the amendment bill prepared by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is the mandatory initial mediation session, in case the value of the dispute is up to ten thousand euros (€10,000). In fact, sanctions are provided for the party that does not attend the mandatory initial mediation session, as it loses its right to claim attorney's fees and interest in connection with the court proceedings. In addition, from June 2023, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order has been operating the special Registry of Family Mediators as the Ministry legally responsible for the implementation of the Law on Mediation in Family Disputes.
- At the same time, a revised bill has been prepared which aims to strengthen the procedure for the enforcement of court decisions in civil proceedings, a problem that has plagued for years those who, after lengthy legal proceedings, manage to obtain a court decision, but in the end are unable to obtain from the debtor what is owed to them.
- To speed up the adjudication of cases in the criminal jurisdiction, bills have been prepared to promote reforms in the structure of the Criminal Courts. According to them, a single-member Criminal Court is being created, which is expected to give more flexibility to the system and at the same time lead to the release of District Judges, who are expected to be used mainly in the civil jurisdiction, which faces the biggest problem.
All the aforementioned bills are currently at the Legal Service for legislative review and are expected to be tabled for a vote in the House of Representatives within 2024.
As part of the fight against corruption and to promote integrity, a team has been set up in the Cyprus Police to make recommendations on the GRECO Commission's recommendations relating exclusively to the Law Enforcement Security Bodies.
The Ministry and the Cyprus Police proceeded with the preparation of a study which assessed the capacity of law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute financial crime in the context of financial sanctions imposed on legal and natural persons in 2023.
We also ensured, in line with the Governance Programme, the full implementation of the legislation on whistleblowers and strengthened the provisions related to their protection in order to encourage the disclosure of information.
In April 2023, the relevant regulations of the Transparency in Public Decision-Making and Related Matters (Lobbying) Law came into force.
In the field of international legal cooperation, we have strengthened our relations with third countries such as, for example, Kazakhstan, with the aim of facilitating criminal procedures for the extradition of fugitives and transfer of convicts.
For 2024, our planning for justice issues includes.
[*]The modernisation of the legislative framework.
In the field of international legal cooperation, we have strengthened our relations with third countries such as, for example, Kazakhstan, with the aim of facilitating criminal procedures for the extradition of fugitives and transfer of convicts.
For 2024, our planning for justice issues includes.
Specifically, the completion of family law reform with the four remaining bills that emphasize the protection, welfare and best interests of the child. We are also moving forward with the modernization of the institution of arbitration, a long-standing demand of all those involved in arbitration. We will work on the revision of the Law on Assemblies and Parades, with the adoption of a modern piece of legislation regulating the right of assembly and fully compatible with Article 21 of the Constitution and the relevant ECHR jurisprudence on the subject. The promotion of institutional reforms.
We are promoting a draft law aimed at strengthening the administration's compliance with the decisions of the Administrative Courts, an issue which is a constant demand of all political forces and has been discussed several times in the relevant committee of the House of Representatives. The bill in question proposes reform solutions relating to two important tools that will be available to the Administrative Courts, with the aim of reducing, if not eliminating, cases of non-compliance. The re-evaluation of the institution of the Legal Service is included in the policies of the President's governance programme concerning the reorganisation of the State and the promotion of institutional reforms. It is worth noting that the whole issue touches on important constitutional provisions and falls within the reforms that require in-depth study and discussion, including with those responsible for constitutional matters. The Ministry of Justice and Public Order is at an advanced stage of its study and will very soon begin discussions with relevant bodies. The re-evaluation also concerns the institution of the Audit Office.
3. As already announced last week, direct Cypriot-American cooperation is being established to strengthen the Republic's capabilities to detect and prosecute economic crime with the contribution of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The formalization of cooperation between the legal systems of the two countries, including the competent law enforcement authorities, is evidence of the determination of the Christodoulides Government to strengthen, where necessary, the capabilities of the competent authorities to be able to identify, investigate and prosecute cases involving financial crimes.
4. Within the first half of 2024, we are launching an incentive scheme totalling EUR 2 million for the implementation of ISO 37001 (anti-bribery) in the public and private sectors.
PILLAR 2: SECURITY OF CITIZENS AND THE STATE
The second and most important pillar of our action is that of security. For us, security is a very broad concept, ranging from the sense of protection that citizens feel in their daily lives, to the degree of law enforcement, to the ability to manage crises or disasters such as, for example, fires, to the safe detention of convicts in prisons, to the protection and preservation of the State's archives.
I want to be clear. Enhancing citizens' sense of security is for the Christodoulides Government and for me personally a non-negotiable goal and priority. There are challenges, but we are working methodically and seriously to take those targeted measures that will restore the shaken sense of security of citizens.
In 2023, the following were implemented in relation to security issues.
The New Policing Plan was designed and implemented, which includes.
- The Police Information Management and Analysis Sub-Directorate was made autonomous and strengthened in terms of staffing, so that it deals with a wider range of information covering serious and organised crime.
- Three permanent anti-crime teams were set up within the PMAD.
- Three permanent anti-crime teams were set up within the PMAD.
- The Schengen Information System (SIS) was successfully implemented through which information leading to the identification and arrest of wanted persons is exploited.
- The first local Crime Prevention Council was established in Limassol, a participatory initiative of anti-crime and preventive policy in local communities.
- The Special Action Plan on Terrorism was updated.
- The Anti-Poaching Unit was re-established.
For the first time, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between twelve stakeholders through which the National Horizontal Action Plan was adopted as a comprehensive and horizontal approach to prevent and combat violence in sports venues.
During the first year of President Christodoulides' administration, addressing migratory flows was set as a top priority. Assisting, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order.
- Proceeded with the establishment of the Green Line Surveillance Unit with the recruitment of 300 contracted Special Police Officers.
- Strengthened the staffing of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Cyprus Police.
- Set up a special task force to combat trafficking in illegal immigrants.
- Strengthened the operational capacity of the Port Police with additional vessels to guard the maritime borders.
- FRONTEX joint forced return flights, in which the Cyprus Police participate, doubled compared to the same period last year.
As a Government, we responded immediately and decisively to the chronic problem of overcrowding in prisons by providing practical solutions. We examined potential alternatives and initiated the most cost-effective solutions for implementation, both in terms of cost and time. The conversion and reconfiguration of existing premises in the Central Prison will allow us to increase capacity by 240 places in a short period of time. This is an extremely significant increase if we consider that the current nominal capacity is 620 places, while maintaining a high level of security and decent living conditions for prisoners. The works, which started in June 2023, are currently underway, on schedule and are expected to be completed by September 2024. At the same time, a study is being prepared for the construction of a new, modern Closed Prison wing within the fenced area of the Central Prison, with an additional capacity of 360 places, as a medium-term solution to the overcrowding problem.
Regarding the response and crisis management of forest fires, the first phase of the holistic system of fire surveillance and other modern technologies was completed in 2023, where through the use of technology, e.g. the use of sensors and drones, the degree of surveillance of the territorial area of the Republic for fire prevention and response purposes was enhanced. Also, following the relevant legislation on this issue, in 2023 the recruitment and training of the first volunteer firefighters was completed, who are properly trained and equipped to assist the efforts of the Fire Service.
For 2024 our planning for security issues includes. In particular, policing is being enhanced with the deployment of foot and motorized patrols in cities and suburbs including static checks and targeted operations. The Police is making its presence more visible and aims to improve its response to citizens' calls by launching the project to upgrade its call centre. At the same time, based on priorities, we are proceeding with the restructuring of critical services such as the Financial Crime Investigation Division to intensify financial investigations for the detection and seizure of proceeds from illegal activities. In addition, we are proceeding with the establishment of a new cadre of investigators with specialized knowledge to conduct financial audits of individuals who have not given cause in the sense of committing a predicate offence, but who appear to possess assets that are not justified by the income they declare to the State. The operational capacity of the police force is being strengthened by the accession of approximately 500 more members to the force in 2024.
- To combat violence in sports venues, an amendment bill is currently undergoing its second and wide-ranging consultation, which provides for intensified controls and stricter penalties. The legislative provisions include all the measures decided by the Council of Ministers in March 2023 and the additional measures announced in January 2024.
- With a view to improving road safety, the Ministry is to proceed within the first half of 2024 with the call for tenders for the establishment of the Driver Training School. The School will provide specialised courses to offending drivers who need retraining and are referred by the Court or to individuals who voluntarily wish to voluntarily attend the training in order to clear penalty points.
- Within 2024, the project for the construction of the Special Safety Centre at the Vasilikos Energy Centre, a critical infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus, will commence. In order to ensure the protection of the Centre and until the completion of the security works, the Ministry of Finance approved the financing of a package of additional measures concerning 65 new positions of Contract Special Police Officers for security, as well as the purchase of special equipment, at a total cost of approximately 6 million for the three-year period 2024-2026.
To enhance the operational capability and readiness of the Fire Service, this year we are proceeding with the completion of the study for the expansion of the holistic fire surveillance system and other modern technologies for fire prevention and response purposes, as well as the establishment of a Single Fire Service Operations Coordination Centre.
As I mentioned earlier, in September 2024, the completion of the building conversion works at the Central Prison is expected in September 2024 as a measure to address overcrowding. In relation to the mobile phone deactivation system, a study for the installation of a new system has been completed and actions are being initiated in this direction.
Also, in 2024, the mega project of digitization of historical archival collections by the State Archives continues, as well as the wider public sector records management programme. The management of conventional records is extremely critical, pending the full migration of services to electronic records through the office automation system.
[BR]PILLAR 3: HUMAN RIGHTS
With regard to the human rights pillar, the Ministry is working to establish an institutional framework for universal respect for human rights and the demand for accountability for all those who violate them.
In 2023, the following interventions were implemented to strengthen the framework for the protection of human rights. The existence of a regulatory framework is a prerequisite for the implementation of the child-friendly justice system and the establishment of the Juvenile Detention Centre.
- Amending legislation has been promoted to establish the Gender Equality Commissioner, a priority of the Government and the President of the Republic himself.
- Grants of €200,000 were awarded to organizations of the National Mechanism for Women's Rights, as well as to other non-governmental organizations and bodies promoting gender equality at the national level.
- Through the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women, the implementation of the first National Strategy and the first Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women 2023-2028 was launched.
- The protocols for handling cases of sexual violence and rape implemented by the Police were revised to be in line with the modernizing framework of the Criminal Code and the Istanbul Convention.
In 2024 on the issues of human rights protection we plan to. The tender evaluation process is underway and is expected to be completed in April 2024.
- Following the adoption of the Regulations for the operation of the site, we plan to launch an open public tender for the establishment of the Children's Detention Centre at a total cost of 700 thousand euros.
- Preparation of the first National Strategy for the Prevention and Combating of Anti-Semitism and the first National Strategy for LGBTI issues.
- With amending legislation, the criminalization of the dissemination of fake news, as well as the criminalization of Acts of a Racist and Xenophobic Nature committed through Computer Systems is promoted.
In relation to the modernisation of the prison system and the strengthening of policies for the reintegration of released prisoners, within 2024.
- We aim to complete the legislative debate on the new Prisons Act, which reflects the significant people-centred changes that have taken place in prisons in recent years.
- In cooperation with the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority, a study is planned to carry out both the strengthening of existing rehabilitation programmes for drug-dependent prisoners and the introduction of a new open intensive treatment programme for drug-dependent prisoners.
- In cooperation with the State Ministry of Social Welfare, we are promoting the strengthening of the institution of community work as an alternative sentence for young offenders and for minor offences.
In the field of equality and combating violence against women we are planning for 2024:
- An awareness campaign to promote the institution of mediation in family disputes.
- Creation of a Unified Archive of Violence Statistics on a nationwide basis, with the aim of mapping the problem of violence against women at the national level.
- Operation of a pan-European support hotline for victims of all forms of violence included in the Istanbul Convention,
- Operation of a smart application "ELPIS" in cooperation with the Police, for the protection and safety of victims of gender and domestic violence,
- Preparation of a special bill to provide independent assistance and legal aid to victims of gender and domestic violence,
- Conducting a survey on the extent, the extent, type, forms and consequences of all forms of gender-based violence affecting vulnerable groups of women hosted in reception and accommodation facilities for asylum seekers, migrants and refugees,
- Implement training and awareness-raising programmes for frontline health workers, aiming at early and effective identification of victims of gender-based violence and provision of appropriate and effective support and protection to victims of violence. Within 2024, it intends to extend the trainings to education and social service officers, etc.
- Financial support in the form of grants to organisations, programmes and actions that promote gender equality at the national level, totalling €290,000.
From what I have mentioned, it is evident that the first year of governance has been quite productive on issues within the competence of our Ministry. Solutions to problems were put in place, significant legislative work was implemented and projects, interventions and policies were planned, the implementation of which will begin in the coming period. There are long-standing problems, which the Christodoulides Government is tackling and will continue to tackle with determination and will, attempting to cut through key issues related to the Ministry's competences.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues and all members of the Ministry's services and departments. The contribution of each and every one of them is important to the work we have presented today.
In closing, I would like to emphasise once again our strong commitment to achieving the Government's objectives.
(NZ/EP)
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