Cyprus has rejected what it described as Turkey’s “unfounded” claims made during the General Debate under Agenda Item 2 of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, arguing that Ankara’s policies continue to undermine the rights of all Cypriots.
In a diplomatic note submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Nicosia stated that ongoing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law are a direct result of Turkey’s continued military occupation of one-third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
Commitment to human rights framework
The diplomatic note, dated 20 April 2026, reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to a strong and credible multilateral human rights system, with the United Nations and its mechanisms at its core.
Cyprus said it fully supports the role of the OHCHR in promoting human rights, accountability and the rule of law worldwide.
The government stressed that, at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, both the Human Rights Council and the OHCHR have an important role to play in protecting and promoting human rights.
Occupation and human rights concerns
Referring to the annual OHCHR report on human rights in Cyprus, Nicosia said the document highlights key aspects of ongoing violations resulting from the 1974 Turkish invasion and the continued military occupation of the northern part of the island.
Cyprus argued that the international community must ensure that all Cypriots enjoy the same level of protection afforded in other situations involving foreign military aggression and occupation.
It also warned that the credibility of international law and the United Nations system would be seriously undermined if states accused of aggression were allowed to avoid accountability through the passage of time.
Cyprus rejects Turkey’s allegations
The government categorically rejected Turkey’s allegations and Ankara’s continued promotion of what it described as a separatist entity condemned by the UN Security Council.
According to Cyprus, such actions seek to divert attention from Turkey’s responsibility for ongoing human rights violations on the island.
The response also dismissed Turkey’s claim that it has a unilateral right to intervene in Cyprus, calling the argument baseless and contrary to both logic and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
Cyprus described the 1974 invasion as an act of aggression and a clear violation of international law, the UN Charter and the Treaty of Guarantee.
Impact on all Cypriots
The government said the consequences of the occupation affect all Cypriots. It referred to the displacement of nearly one-third of the Greek Cypriot population, the continued hardship faced by enclaved communities and what it described as systematic demographic and cultural alteration in the occupied areas.
The statement also accused Turkey of transferring settlers and contributing to the destruction of Cyprus’ cultural and religious heritage.
Cyprus further argued that Turkish policies negatively affect Turkish Cypriots by undermining their identity, restricting their freedoms and preventing them from fully enjoying their rights as Cypriot and European citizens.
According to the response, Turkey keeps Turkish Cypriots isolated while pursuing recognition of what Cyprus described as an illegal separatist entity in the occupied territory.
Call for troop withdrawal and reunification
Cyprus concluded by calling on Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops, abandon its two-state policy and allow the reunification of the island and its people.
The government also urged Ankara to comply fully with its obligations under international law and end what it described as continuing violations of the rights of all Cypriots.
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