Action Plan promoting equality 2007-2013

The National Machinery for Women's Rights under the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, which is the competent Ministry in Cyprus for the overall promotion of gender equality and the protection of women's rights in all walks of life, has prepared a National Action Plan on Gender Equality, in collaboration with all government departments, NGOs, local authorities, academic institutions, human rights bodies, etc. The plan was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 29.8.2007 and covers the period of 2007-2013. One of the main areas the Action Plan focuses on, is «Combating of All Forms of Violence Against Women». This Action plan refers to the situation of domestic violence in Cyprus stating that domestic violence in minority groups living in Cyprus is considered to be a family matter and is hence under-reported. The practice of FGM is not considered to be a crime by some minority groups, hence reporting this as a domestic violence incident is even rarer in Cyprus. This action plan sets out the Government goals to mobilise the public about violence against women while providing incentives for women who wish to report.

Policy Framework

Issuer

Ministry of Justice and Public Order