Turkey opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan in local elections

Turkey opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan in local elections

The content discusses the upcoming local elections in Turkey, with a focus on the close race between Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the AKP candidate, former minister Murat Kurum. The outcome of the elections could reinforce President Erdogan’s control or signal change in Turkey’s political landscape. The economy, Kurdish and Islamist voters, and Erdogan’s rhetoric against Israel are factors influencing the voters’ decisions. Imamoglu’s victory could revitalize the opposition, while Erdogan aims to extend his power to local administrations.

More than 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade, IOM says

More than 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade, IOM says

At least 63,285 people have perished or disappeared on migration routes around the world between 2014 and 2023, with most deaths caused by drowning.

Parliamentary labour committee to address single-parent benefits legislation

Parliamentary labour committee to address single-parent benefits legislation

The Parliamentary Labour Committee is waiting for a bill from the Ministry of Social Welfare to regulate single-parent benefits by the end of May. The committee’s agenda will include the issue in early June. A bill submitted by AKEL MPs aims to remove the requirement that a single parent should be without a partner and not terminate the benefit if the single parent cohabits with another person. The proposed law by the government is expected to have similar content. The committee aims to refer either the bill or the proposed law, or both, to the Plenary before the end of June for final regulation. The existing legislative framework that terminates the benefit in cases of cohabitation is seen as violating human rights and needs to change.

EXPLAINER-Who is Julian Assange?

EXPLAINER-Who is Julian Assange?

Julian Assange will find out on Tuesday whether the High Court in London will allow him to appeal against his extradition from Britain to the United States to face criminal charges, nearly all under the Espionage Act.

Julian Assange to hear result of crucial ruling on US extradition

Julian Assange to hear result of crucial ruling on US extradition

Julian Assange will find out on Tuesday whether the High Court in London will allow him to appeal against his extradition from Britain to the United States.

Greek schools parade before officials for Greek Independence anniversary

Greek schools parade before officials for Greek Independence anniversary

Greek school children paraded before officials at Syntagma Square on Sunday to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the 1821 Greek War of Independence. The parade included 230 schools from primary to secondary level, with 229 schools and nearly 1,500 students coming from Athens. Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Athens Mayor Charis Doukas were among the officials present. Before the parade, officials laid wreaths at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Minister Pierrakakis emphasized the importance of faith, boldness, and fortitude in achieving miracles, while Mayor Doukas highlighted the need for solidarity and serving the collective good for a brighter future with justice and the protection of human rights.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

The IMH conference organizer is promoting its Women Leaders’ Forum at the Hilton Hotel, featuring the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, as a speaker. The forum is titled ‘Achievement driven by women.’ Environment Commissioner Dr. Maria Panayiotou, who initiated a project involving biological oranges at the presidential palace, was later appointed minister of agriculture despite her lack of background in agriculture, largely due to her relationship with the First Lady. Agriculture Minister Dr. Panayiotou attended an event at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, which raised concerns about environmental impacts on the Mediterranean Monk Seal’s habitat. Marios Pelekanos switched from the Disy party to Elam to run for the European Parliament, highlighting political opportunism. Yiannakis Nicolaou, the news boss of the state broadcaster, exhibited erratic behavior and dishonesty in his professional conduct. Archbishop Georgios criticized the exploitation of religious relics for financial gain and questioned the authenticity of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary’s visit to Cyprus, which was treated with state honors. Aristides Viketos revealed that the money found in the Avakoum monastery’s safe was more than reported, with allegations of misappropriation by Bishop Isaias.

Truth commission in Cyprus is crucial to reconciliation

Truth commission in Cyprus is crucial to reconciliation

Achilleas Demetriades, a human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate in Cyprus, proposed converting the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) into a truth commission during a meeting in the UK parliament. His proposal aims to enable the CMP to investigate the circumstances and cause of death of missing persons, beyond its current function of locating and disinterring missing individuals. Demetriades suggests amending the CMP’s terms of reference to allow investigations into how 1,510 Greek Cypriots and 492 Turkish Cypriots disappeared. He argues for statutory immunity from prosecution for those providing information to the commission, noting that current guarantees might not suffice for the broader scope of a truth commission. Transitional justice processes like truth commissions, exemplified by South Africa’s Truth Commission established in 1995, are highlighted as effective in overcoming conflict and promoting reconciliation. The article also mentions the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy to Cyprus, Maria Holguin, and the potential for establishing a truth commission in Cyprus, with support from the UN high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, emphasizing the importance of truth for reconciliation and preventing the repetition of conflicts.

Human Rights Sculpture Park to open in Kolossi

Human Rights Sculpture Park to open in Kolossi

The Human Rights Sculpture Park, located in the courtyard of the Apostolos Loukas High School in Kolossi, is set to open early next month. The park features sculptures promoting a human rights-based approach, conceived by visual artist and art teacher Popi Nikolaou and her students. The project, titled “Children Want Peace,” is nearing completion, with the opening ceremony scheduled for April 12, hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides. Nikolaou, recognized among the world’s best teachers, aims for the park to encourage students and future citizens to actively address human rights violations, including human trafficking, child sexual abuse, and women’s rights. The creation of the sculptures involved thorough research and study to effectively convey messages on human rights.