|
|
|
|
Human Rights - Property Matters
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Since 1974 Greek Cypriots in the occupied part of Cyprus were driven off their properties and houses by the Turkish forces. There are approximately 200.000 refugees (Internally displaced persons). Their number is much greater nowadays having regard to the fact that the second and third generation of descendants of the refugees have probably increased their numbers. Turkey has been repeatedly found guilty of violations of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, the latest decision of the European Court of Human Rights is May 2001 in the Interstate application of Cyprus v. Turkey.
Turkey refuses to comply with the judgment of the Court. Also in numerous individual cases Turkey has been found guilty of violating property rights of Greek Cypriot refugees. Occupying, buying and selling or using occupied properties is illegal under Cyprus, European and International Law. Any purchase of such properties renders the purchaser liable to criminal and/or Civil proceedings in Cyprus with the judgments of the Cyprus Courts being recognised world wide. Although access to the occupied part of Cyprus is possible, since April 2003, this is not recommended as the occupied part of Cyprus is the most heavily militarily populated area in the world and the regime is not recognised.
Turkey continues to pursue a policy of illegal settlements in the occupied territories and the destruction of the cultural heritage of Cyprus.
|
|
|
 Cyprus Info
|
