Cyprus Human Rights Committee announces new gender-based violence measures

The Cyprus Human Rights Committee has announced the launch of a horizontal information-sharing platform by the end of the year. This platform is designed to facilitate communication between all services involved in domestic violence incidents.

During discussions with the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Christos Christofides, the Committee highlighted several key initiatives. These include the implementation of psychometric testing every three years for firearm holders, a measure requested following a high-profile femicide last summer.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Welfare announced plans to restructure and reorganize the 'Women’s Shelter' institution by year-end, with potential expansion to all districts in Cyprus. The Committee emphasized the importance of complying with the Istanbul Convention and requested internal circulars from the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of Justice to monitor the effectiveness of protection orders.