unhindered education — unhindered education — The right to education must remain unhindered, emphasised Education Minister Athena Michaelidou in response to concerns regarding school book control in the occupied Karpas peninsula.
During a statement made on Sunday, Michaelidou highlighted that the Turkish Cypriot authorities oversee the educational materials used in local schools, which she believes severely impacts the educational rights of children in this area.
Her comments were made in light of a report from the European Parliamentary Research Service, focusing on the plight of enclaved students in Karpasia. This report is significant as it marks the first time that the conditions and challenges faced by Greek Cypriot students residing in certain northern villages have been investigated by a European Parliament service.
In her remarks, Michaelidou referred to the report as crucial, highlighting that it would lead to an on-site delegation from the European Parliament to assess the situation at the Rizokarpaso school. This request emerged following Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas’s initiative to investigate potential human rights violations within the school.
Two years ago, Michaelidou visited the European Parliament to discuss these issues with MEPs, where she noted there was considerable concern regarding this overlooked aspect of the Cyprus problem. “This is an aspect of the Cyprus problem, which was invisible for many years,” she stated, underscoring the need for visibility and action.
Michaelidou pointed out that the European Parliament has moved forward with a report documenting the insufficient access to education for nearly 50 children in the region, thanks to Fourlas’s efforts. She expressed hope that a subsequent visit by European Parliament representatives would shed light on the situation and help ensure that these children receive the education they rightfully deserve.
