The European Union has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to resolving Cyprus’ longest-standing humanitarian concern by announcing a significant financial contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP). This latest substantial donation, amounting to €2.6 million, is specifically allocated to advance the CMP's crucial activities in locating and returning the remains of individuals who disappeared during the island's prolonged intercommunal conflicts. This funding forms part of a larger EU initiative that has provided the CMP with an impressive €43.7 million since its establishment in 2006.
The CMP, a bi-communal organisation composed of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, aims to alleviate the profound distress experienced by families who have endured decades of agonising uncertainty. Its primary objective is to provide closure by identifying and repatriating the mortal remains of those who vanished, with a target of resolving outstanding cases by 2026. The recent EU funding is indispensable for supporting the intricate forensic investigations, exhumations, and identification procedures that are fundamental to the CMP’s vital mission.
Since commencing its operations, the CMP has achieved considerable progress, having exhumed 1,707 bodies and successfully identified the remains of 1,058 individuals from the official missing persons list, in addition to 216 previously unlisted cases. These figures starkly illustrate the human cost of the conflict, with 296 Turkish Cypriots and 762 Greek Cypriots among those identified. The CMP’s efforts are bolstered by international support, including a €50,000 donation from Greece last October and a US$100,000 contribution from Turkey the following month, highlighting a shared desire for reconciliation.
The impact of the CMP's work is extensive, offering much-needed solace to grieving families. In the past year alone, 22 sets of remains were recovered, leading to the positive identification of seven individuals – six Greek Cypriots and one Turkish Cypriot. This sustained success has established Cyprus’ missing persons initiative as one of the most effective globally, especially when compared to international efforts where success rates frequently remain below 20%. The EU’s role as the primary financial backer has been instrumental in enabling the CMP to achieve these commendable results and move closer to its ambitious 2026 goal.
The CMP's ongoing work extends beyond Cyprus, serving as a symbol of hope in a world where numerous countries are confronted with the issue of individuals missing due to conflict or political violence. The EU's persistent engagement and substantial financial commitment represent a vital investment in humanitarian resolution and, consequently, in fostering a more stable and reconciled future for Cyprus. Continued support is essential for the CMP to meet its 2026 objective and bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty that has affected countless families for generations.