Recognized refugee from Cameroon speaking on behalf of the refugee and migrant community. © UNHCR Cyprus
On the occasions of International Women’s Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UNHCR Country Office in Cyprus hosted a Roundtable Discussion entitled, Refugee Inclusion: Addressing Gender and Racial Discrimination. The event was co-organised with the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality and the University of Cyprus on 21 March 2025.
The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofides, welcomed the panel and the audience, noting the importance of the topic at hand. He emphasised the need to integrate refugees and asylum-seekers and the value of their inclusion and participation in society. He stated that language learning programmes form an essential component in any integration planning.
“We are witnessing a worrying rise in xenophobia and racism in Cyprus, which is affecting the core safety of refugee and migrant communities, families, livelihoods and individuals.”
In her opening remarks, UNHCR Representative in Cyprus, Katja Saha, noted that, “We are witnessing a worrying rise in xenophobia and racism in Cyprus, which is affecting the core safety of refugee and migrant communities, families, livelihoods and individuals. The greater effect is one of diminishing—but not yet irreversible—possibilities of a more integrated and multicultural society that is indeed safer for everyone.” Saha reiterated UNHCR’s position in standing ready to support the authorities in not only meeting their obligations under international law, but also in developing and implementing integration programmes that support refugees, while ensuring a more pluralistic and safer society for all.
Saha underlined the need for a comprehensive, horizontal strategy on non-discrimination and racism, as advised by the European Union. She also referred to the negative impact of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech that is further shrinking the space for meaningful assistance to forcibly displaced people. “Our call for more efforts to enhance cohesive and comprehensive integration programmes for refugees and asylum-seekers is an urgent one,” she said.
“Our call for more efforts to enhance cohesive and comprehensive integration programmes for refugees and asylum-seekers is an urgent one.”
The Representative asserted that while refugees face particular challenges—from leaving everything behind, to rebuilding their lives, securing employment and integrating in the new communities that host them—“for refugee women, these challenges are more often than not, far more complex and involve various layers of discrimination in addition to gender, such as race, nationality and religion.”
Speaking on behalf of the refugee and migrant community, Irene Che, a recognized refugee from Cameroon, gave an honest and compelling testimony. “For migrants, especially women who have already gone through a lot of trauma and stress, they just need a sense of love and a feeling of belonging,” she said. Among her many professional roles, Irene runs a social cafe in Nicosia to support and empower vulnerable refugee women, including survivors of gender-based violence. She expressed her gratitude for the assistance already by the Cypriot authorities for refugees, and how fortunate she has been to be recognized early and be able to progress, developing her skills and professional life. Her plea was for structured language programs that will help refugees and migrants to feel included and equal. She highlighted the poverty and risks that many migrants and asylum-seekers face, for example to exploitation and living in conditions that are not appropriate. She proposed that perhaps a law that prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their race or country of origin is needed. “The moment those factors come into play, then discrimination, racism is taking place.”
“For migrants, especially women who have already gone through a lot of trauma and stress, they just need a sense of love and a feeling of belonging.”
In his intervention, Aristoteles Constantinides, Associate Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Cyprus gave an overview of existing frameworks and elaborated on the need for enhancing mechanisms to combat racism, hate speech, and hate crime. He noted that the legal framework in Cyprus is sufficient—racially motivated acts are criminal acts. He highlighted the gaps in coordination, recording and reporting of racist and hate crimes and the emphasized the importance of establishing the Anti-Racism Observatory in Cyprus.
The Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, reiterated that the discrimination faced by women occurs at multiple levels, and thus actions must meet their specific needs. She noted that the National Gender Equality Strategy will be revised in July to reflect the needs of refugees and asylum-seekers. She added that there are gender equality focal points assigned to each ministry, thus helping to ensure the view through the gender lens in all areas of government.
Maria Stylianou-Lottides, Ombudsman and Head of Equality Body gave an overview of complaints submitted to the Equality Body regarding gender and race, and of her office’s concrete actions. She affirmed that discrimination is not only a moral injustice, but also a violation of the legal framework. She highlighted that asylum-seekers, especially women, are most vulnerable to exploitation or mistreatment, and also to hate speech. The Ombudswoman also noted that online hate speech is particularly challenging to tackle, considering that it has a much wider reach than traditional media.
“Tolerance and respect for human dignity form the foundation of democratic and pluralistic societies.”
Aristos Tsiartas, Head of Human Rights Department, Ministry of Justice and Public Order gave an overview of the National Strategy on Human Rights, elaborating on the non-discrimination principle within the context of the Strategy. He outlined key initiatives and awareness-raising programs, including for elementary and secondary school teachers and healthcare professionals across the island. He noted that Cyprus’ first national strategy for human rights was established for the period 2022-2027, stating that the Council of Europe evaluated Cyprus’ compliance with the Istanbul convention. “As a member of the EU, the UN and the Council of Europe, Cyprus is committed to upholding human rights standards and ensuring racial and gender equality in all aspects of public life.” He affirmed that policies and initiatives must promote prevention and provide comprehensive protection and empowerment of refugee and migrant women to safeguard them from discrimination. “Tolerance and respect for human dignity form the foundation of democratic and pluralistic societies,” he said.
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