The European Union has once again underscored its commitment to resolving one of Cyprus’ most enduring humanitarian challenges, announcing a substantial donation to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP). This latest financial injection, totalling €2.6 million, is earmarked to propel the CMP’s critical work in identifying and repatriating the remains of individuals who disappeared during the island's protracted intercommunal conflicts. The contribution is part of a broader EU funding stream that has seen the bloc disburse a remarkable €43.7 million to the CMP since its inception in 2006.
The CMP, a bi-communal body comprising Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, alongside a third member previously held by figures like Paul-Henri Arni, is dedicated to alleviating the profound anguish of families who have lived for decades in a state of agonising uncertainty. The organisation's overarching objective is to bring closure by identifying and returning the mortal remains of those who vanished, with a target deadline of 2026 for resolving outstanding cases. This latest EU funding is instrumental in facilitating the complex forensic investigations, exhumations, and identification processes that are central to the CMP's mission.
Since commencing its operations, the CMP has made considerable headway, exhuming a staggering 1,707 bodies and successfully identifying the remains of 1,058 individuals from the official list of the missing, in addition to another 216 previously unlisted cases. The human toll of the conflict is starkly reflected in these figures, with 296 Turkish Cypriots and 762 Greek Cypriots among those identified. The CMP's efforts are not solely reliant on EU patronage; it also receives support from other international organisations and national governments. Notably, Greece contributed €50,000 last October, followed by a US$100,000 donation from Turkey in the subsequent month, demonstrating a shared impetus for reconciliation.
The impact of the CMP’s work is far-reaching, offering a measure of solace to grieving families. In the past year alone, 22 sets of remains were discovered, leading to the positive identification of seven individuals – six Greek Cypriots and one Turkish Cypriot. This sustained progress has positioned Cyprus' search for missing persons as one of the most successful globally, with success rates in comparable international efforts often falling below 20% or even reaching zero. The EU's role as the principal financial supporter has been pivotal in enabling the CMP to achieve these commendable results, bringing the organisation ever closer to its ambitious goal of providing answers by 2026.
The ongoing efforts of the CMP extend beyond Cyprus, serving as a beacon of hope in a world where 42 countries grapple with the issue of individuals missing due to conflict or political violence. The EU's sustained engagement and substantial financial commitment are not merely a donation but a vital investment in humanitarian resolution and, by extension, in fostering a more stable and reconciled future for Cyprus. The continuation of this support is crucial for the CMP to meet its 2026 objective and to finally bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty that has afflicted countless families for generations.