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 scientists and has resulted in international recognition of the CMP as an example of cooperation between the two Cypriot communities.

Addressing the issue of missing persons in Cyprus and recovering their remains is an imperative part of the healing process, not only for the relatives of the victims themselves, but for the Cypriot society in general. As such, the CMP project contributes towards strengthening a positive momentum in the continuing efforts to restore trust and foster reconciliation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Within 2021, the milestone of having identified more than 50% of the missing persons has been accomplished. This is a significant achievement considering the years passed. This milestone gives encouragement to the people involved to continue the efforts and is evidence that this project actually has tangible results.

The CMP adopted a four-year strategy in 2021 for the years 2021-2024, that builds on previous strategies and proposes new methodologies to address major challenges helping to speed up the CMP Project and provide answers to the families of missing persons.

The European Union is the main financing source for the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, with a total contribution of €30.7 million up to phase 12. The amount includes the European Commission’s agreement with the UNDP which provided an additional €2.6 million for the work of the CMP for phase 12 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.