Social Mediation and strengthening the Rule of Law in Cyprus
On 27 and 28 of April 2023, the University UCLan Cyprus, the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Centre (CPDC) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Law, Alternative and Innovative Methods (ICLAIM) held a two-day conference addressing the strengthening of the Rule of Law across the UN-administered Buffer Zone, in Cyprus.
The Conference was the final activity under the ‘Social Mediation and strengthening the Rule of Law in Cyprus’ Project (SOMEROL), which aimed to bring together professionals, experts and peacebuilders with an interest in building a stronger society across the divide. The Conference preceded two workshops and a roundtable discussion, which took place from January to March 2023, combining the years-long experience and expertise of all three partner institutions.
On the first day, the Conference opened with a discussion with special guests Ms Androula Vassiliou and Ms Meral Akıncı, both of whom are well-known public figures with long-term involvement in Cypriot socio-political affairs and inter-communal activity. They were joined by other eminent peacebuilders and public figures from the Greek-Cypriot and the Turkish-Cypriot communities. The initial discussion was supplemented with concrete examples of new initiatives, which aim to reduce racism in Cyprus, build bridges, and promote the Rule of Law and social cohesion on the island. These initiatives were used as the basis for discussions pertaining to the legal, institutional, and social issues which the decades-long division of the island leads to.
A final report of the proceedings and the lessons learnt from all activities under SOMEROL is currently being drafted. The report will be widely disseminated, envisioning to contribute to future initiatives seeking to strengthen collaboration on the Rule of Law in Cyprus. In the meantime, you may view the SOMEROL project video here.
The SOMEROL project is generously supported by the British High Commission in Nicosia. For more information about the SOMEROL project and other relevant activities you may contact:
UCLan Cyprus : [email protected]
CPDC: [email protected]
ICLAIM : [email protected]
The SOMEROL project is supported by the British High Commission in Nicosia.
