committee on — The Cyprus’ committee on missing persons (CMP) is regarded as invaluable by the Portuguese government, as stated by its ambassador in Nicosia, Vanda Sequeira. This recognition follows a recent donation agreement that saw Portugal contribute €15,000 to the CMP through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has now raised Portugal’s total support to €30,000 since 2018.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Committee on: Significance of the CMP in Reconciliation Efforts
During her remarks to the Cyprus Mail, Sequeira highlighted the CMP’s critical role in providing closure to families who have endured the loss of loved ones during the intercommunal conflicts of 1963 to 1964 and 1974. She noted, “Portugal considers the CMP to be an invaluable institution, bringing closure to thousands of families from both Cypriot communities.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the CMP as a bicommunal mechanism that illustrates how humanitarian objectives can transcend political complexities.
Donation Agreement and Future Support
The donation agreement was signed by Sequeira and Jakhongir Khaydarov, the UNDP’s Cyprus chief. Sequeira expressed hope that this new contribution would assist the CMP in its essential humanitarian work of identifying the remains of missing persons, thereby helping families find peace. “The spirit of cooperation is essential in Cyprus, where building trust remains a cornerstone of reconciliation,” she added.
Humanitarian Work and Achievements of the CMP
Established in 2006, the CMP aims to locate and identify 2,002 individuals who went missing during Cyprus’ intercommunal conflicts. Since its inception, the CMP has made significant progress, having exhumed 1,707 bodies and identified the remains of 1,057 people from the official list, along with an additional 216 others. Among those identified, 296 were Turkish Cypriots, while 761 were Greek Cypriots.
Recent Developments and Identifications
So far this year, the CMP has discovered the remains of 17 individuals, with six of those having been identified. Of the identified, five were Greek Cypriots and one was a Turkish Cypriot. These figures illustrate the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the CMP as it works diligently to bring closure to families affected by the tragic events of the past.
Funding and International Support
The CMP relies heavily on donations from nation states and international organisations to fund its operations. This financial backing is vital for the continuation of its work, which has been recognised as exemplary. Former CMP third member Paul-Henri Arni remarked last year that Cyprus boasts the “second-best results in the world” concerning the search for missing persons.
Comparative Success Rates in Global Context
In the context of global efforts to locate missing persons from conflict or political violence, Cyprus stands out. According to Arni, there are currently 42 countries grappling with missing persons issues, with many having success rates below 20 per cent. “Some are at zero per cent, some at one per cent. Georgia is at 16 per cent. Argentina, a very cold case, is at 20 per cent,” he noted. In contrast, the highest recovery rate is found in the former Yugoslavia, where 75 per cent of missing persons have been located.
Continued Commitment to Humanitarian Action
Vanda Sequeira reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives and reconciliation efforts in Cyprus, emphasising the importance of inclusivity across religious and ethnic lines. “Portugal remains firmly committed to supporting humanitarian action and reconciliation in Cyprus, in favour of all Cypriots, irrespective of religion or ethnicity,” she stated. This commitment reflects a broader dedication to humanitarian values and the healing process for all communities impacted by the historical conflicts.
Looking Ahead: The Role of the CMP
The CMP’s ongoing work to identify missing persons remains a vital component of the reconciliation process in Cyprus. As it continues to receive support from international actors like Portugal, the CMP aims to fulfil its mission of bringing closure to families and fostering a spirit of cooperation among communities. The contributions not only facilitate the CMP’s operational capabilities but also signify a collective recognition of the need for healing and reconciliation in a divided society.
