| Type of parliamentary body |
Specialized |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
Vouli Antiprosopon
|
| Date of creation |
November 1990 (as an ad hoc Committee), 13 June 1996 (as a Standing Committee) |
| Last renewal date |
|
| Mandate |
The main responsibility of the Committee is to examine and investigate, in the context of the exercise of parliamentary oversight of government policy, whether the clauses of the Constitution and legislation pertaining to human rights are respected.
In carrying out its mandate, the Committee examines cases of human rights violations of civilians residing in the Republic and submits suggestions in its reports to the House with regard to the necessary legislative and other measures to be adopted in order to safeguard respect of human rights.
The Committee does not intervene in issues of private law, though this does not preclude the examination of cases which, due to their nature, necessitate the adoption of legislative and other measures safeguarding human rights. |
| Membership |
The Committee consists of 9 members selected by their party parliamentary groups on the basis of their parties' share of the electoral vote. Members are selected for the duration of the term of the House (five years). |
| Working methods |
The Committee examines bills submitted by the government, private bills and topics submitted for discussion by members. The meetings of the Committee are public, as are the reports which it presents to the plenary of the House. It summons ministers and other government officials to provide information on specific issues, and on the compliance of the executive with regard to legislation adopted or suggestions submitted by the Committee, i.e. follow-up action. The Committee also conducts on-site inquiries. Decisions are usually taken unanimously, otherwise by majority, as provided for in the rules of procedure of the House. |
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
The Committee holds joint meetings with other committees if a legislative proposal or other issue is of common interest. |
| Relations with external bodies |
In the context of the exercise of parliamentary oversight, the Committee summons Ministers and other government officials (see above). It also summons the Ombudsman either to discuss aspects of his/her annual report or to provide information on other issues under debate in the Committee. The Committee also invites representatives of government departments and NGOs dealing with human rights issues when this is deemed necessary in examining legislation or discussing specific subjects. |
| Subjects dealt with |
(a) The need for the adoption of measures to facilitate the social rehabilitation of inmates after their release from prison and maintaining contact between inmates and their families;
(b) The treatment of persons with disabilities by the organs and institutions of the State in cases in which they are considered suspects of committing offenses.
(c) The danger posed by the use of mobile telephones to the violation of the right of individuals;
(d) Psychiatric services and inmates with psychological problems;
(e) The need to adopt a Charter of Rights for patients;
(f) The adoption of measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women;
(g) Rules pertaining to radio and television stations;
(h) Reviewing the law on children and the introduction of the institution of the Commissioner / Defense Counsel for children;
(i) Complaints filed by citizens with regard to the use of unnecessary and excessive force during the arrest of suspects by police;
(j) The protection of information sources of journalists.
(k) During 2003, the Committee on Human Rights visited Nicosia Central Prison in order to examine inmates' living conditions and to make proposals for improvements, so as, inter alia, to reduce the number of inmates in each cell, improve hygiene, provide medical and psychological support, separate minors from those serving a long sentence, improve the situation of the "open prison" practice, etc.
(l) Furthermore, the Chairman and Members of the House Standing Committee on Human Rights were interviewed on many occasions by the media concerning citizens' human rights or particular aspects thereof or regarding the adoption of relevant legislation and other measures safeguarding human rights.
(m) On the occasion of the anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights on 10 December 1948, the Committee visited a number of high schools in order to inform pupils about the significance of the day, about fundamental human rights themselves, the value attached to the dignity of man, equal rights for men and women, and the need for co-operation among all nations for the promotion of universal respect for fundamental freedoms, etc. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
House of Representatives
1402 NICOSIA |
| Phone |
+357 22 40 73 00 |
| Fax |
+357 22 66 82 19 |
| E-mail |
parliamentary-committees@parliament.cy |
| Website |
http://www.parliament.cy
|
|
|
|
PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. Sophocles Fittis |
| Notes |
President |
| Address (if different from above) |
Lapithou 7
2412 Nicosia |
| Phone |
+357 22 40 73 10 |
| Fax |
+357 22 66 86 11 |
| E-mail |
international-relations@parliament.cy |
| Website |
http://www.parliament.cy
|
|
SECRETARY
|
| Name |
Mr. Socrates Socratous |
| Notes |
Secretary General |
| Address (if different from above) |
|
| Phone |
+357 22 40 73 02 |
| Fax |
+357 22 67 30 66 |
| E-mail |
s.g@parliament.cy |
| web site: |
http://www.parliament.cy
|
| Notes |
|
