Dialogos

Division Hinders Progress and Peaceful Solution

Published February 14, 2026, 09:02
Division Hinders Progress and Peaceful Solution

The report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) states that the continued division of Cyprus continues to have a negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights across the island. The report, covering the period from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025, emphasizes that without an overall solution to the Cyprus issue, substantial progress in promoting rights for all remains unattainable. The report calls on both sides to capitalize on the recent political momentum and return to official negotiations. It refers to issues such as the right to life and the issue of missing persons, the principle of non-discrimination, freedom of movement, the right to seek asylum, property rights, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and the right to education. The report also mentions Confidence-Building Measures, such as the opening of crossing points and the establishment of a technical committee on youth. However, disappointment is expressed over the slow progress in the case of missing persons, and delays are recorded in the citizenship of children of mixed marriages. Finally, the report emphasizes that the division since 1974 remains the main obstacle to the full guarantee of human rights in Cyprus and that arrests and legal actions on both sides negatively affect intercommunal contact.