Project Summary: 

The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) project on the exhumation, identification, and return of remains of missing persons, is a bi-communal undertaking, whereby the process is carried out by a bi-communal team of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot professionals.

This activity often helps bring closure to the families. Throughout the various phases of the CMP project and even after the return of the remains of an identified missing person, CMP psychologists and social workers provide psycho-social support to family members.

"Determining the fate of missing persons occupies an increasingly prominent role in peace-making, peacekeeping and post conflict peace building. Handled properly, it can build trust and promote reconciliation that are crucial for long term peace. The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus has been a model of successful cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.” Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.

UNDP, in full synergy with the overall mandate of the Committee of Missing Persons in Cyprus, is responsible for the day-to-day administrative, financial and procurement implementation of the project.

The Committee on Missing Persons issues regular progress updates and statistical progress reports which can be viewed on the CMP Statistics page.

The European Union is the main financing source for the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, with a total contribution of EUR 22.5 million up to phase 9.  The European Commission's agreement with the UNDP provides an additional EUR 2.6 million for the work of the CMP  for the phase 9 of the project, aiming first of all to increase the number of remains of missing persons returned to their families but also to build local capacity and trust between communities.