The Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, has called for the implementation of European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) recommendations amid rising attacks against foreign food delivery workers.
Despite existing institutional and legal frameworks condemning racist motives, there has been a surge in incidents against foreign individuals with potential bias motives, the commissioner said in a statement.
Over the past 11 months, numerous attacks against foreign food delivery workers have been reported in Limassol and Nicosia provinces, with most incidents occurring in Limassol during the past two months, according to the statement.
Authorities have solved some cases and issued arrest warrants for others, with criminal cases pending before courts, the commissioner said.
The statement highlighted three recent incidents in Limassol: attacks against delivery workers in Agios Tychonas area on October 15, another attack on October 24, and an incident on Eleftherias Street on October 29.
Stylianou-Lottides emphasised that hate crimes “undermine fundamental democratic principles” and should not be tolerated at any level.
The commissioner noted that during its 2022 visit to Cyprus, ECRI identified the need for a comprehensive monitoring system for hate crimes and hate speech incidents, alongside stricter criminal legislation.
Her office has initiated inter-agency cooperation between authorities and civil society organisations to combat hate crimes more effectively, working with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
The statement has been submitted to the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Chief of Police, and the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth for action within their jurisdictions.
(information from CNA)
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