Project Summary: 

As a result of the events of 1963-1964 and 1974, a total of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1510 Greek Cypriots were officially reported as missing by both communities to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP). Thus, the CMP was established in April 1981 by agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, under the auspices of the United Nations to address this painful chapter in the history of the island.

The launching of the EU-funded project on investigation, exhumation, identification and return of remains in 2006 provided the CMP with the capacity to excavate burial sites and to analyse and identify human remains recovered from those sites. This process, which is carried out by a bi-communal team of Cypriot scientists has resulted in international recognition of the CMP as an example of cooperation between the two Cypriot communities. As such, it contributes towards strengthening a positive momentum in the continuing efforts to restore trust and foster reconciliation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The CMP and UNDP believe that addressing the issue of missing persons in Cyprus and recovering their remains is essential to bring closure to the affected families. Utmost attention must be given to the needs of the families of the missing, to enable both communities to move forward with greater serenity and optimism. Establishing the fate of their loved ones and, where possible, recovering their remains, is a crucial part of the healing process, not only for the relatives of the victims themselves, but for Cypriot society in general.

The European Union is the main financing source for the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, with a total contribution of €35.9 million up to phase 14. 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 14 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.