The handling of 4,655 complaints and investigations in 2024, as well as the assumption of new responsibilities that strengthen the institution’s role in the protection of human rights, were the focus of the meeting between the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou-Lottidi, and the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides.

According to a press release, on Monday the Commissioner presented the President with her Office’s Annual Report for 2024, as well as the Annual Reports of the Equality Body and the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture.

According to the data in the Annual Report, in 2024 the Commissioner’s Office handled 4,655 complaints and investigations, of which 2,507 were new cases, while 2,709 cases were closed, averaging approximately 260 cases per month. As noted, these figures reflect both the increased workload and the institution’s continued operational effectiveness.

During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on the new mandate of the Independent Mechanism for Monitoring Compliance of Co-funded Programs with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the, which came into effect in 2024. This mechanism ensures that co-funded programs are implemented in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Commissioner also presented to the President of the Republic the Annual Report of the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Agency and the Annual Report of the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, which document the Office’s most significant interventions in the areas of equal treatment, the fight against discrimination, and the protection of persons deprived of their liberty.

Ms. Stylianou-Lottidi noted that the institution of the Administrative Commissioner has evolved into a multifaceted, independent human rights protection body which, in addition to its role as Ombudsman, now exercises seven distinct specialized functions derived from national, European, and international law.

At the same time, reference was made to the new responsibility that the institution will assume as an Independent Fundamental Rights Mechanism, within the framework of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. This mechanism will be responsible for independently monitoring respect for fundamental rights during the implementation of control procedures at the European Union’s external borders.

The Commissioner noted that the assignment of new responsibilities by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union constitutes recognition of the credibility, independence, and effectiveness of the institution, noting, however, that the effective execution of its expanding mandate requires a corresponding strengthening of the Office with personnel and resources, so that it can continue to meet the growing demands for the protection of human rights, good governance, and accountability.

Source: CNA