Commissioner for Children’s Rights Leda Koursoumba has called for the immediate revision of social policies and the way they are implemented, and has urged on state services to make the necessary moves in order to terminate the violation of children’s rights.
In a report, Koursoumba refers to the prerequisite of residence for a certain length of time in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus before an applicant is eligible for social welfare allowances, and especially touches upon the fact that families with children have no access to the Guaranteed Minimum Income or Child and Single Parent Allowances, due to the fact that they have not been residing in Cyprus long enough.
Koursoumba says in her report that she has received many complaints from families that have been denied allowances or a minimum income, and presents six specific cases of families that could not meet their basic needs, which had a consequent adverse effect on the children.
In her recommendations, Koursoumba says all children should enjoy an adequate standard of living, and finds that “the most vulnerable groups of children are excluded from the social benefits system.”
“The provisions must be re-examined so regarding their compliance with the international obligations of the Republic,” as well as “its obligations emanating from the European law and which prevail over any contrary provisions of the national law,” she points out.
Regarding children with an international protection status, Koursoumba says they should be allowed to apply and be eligible for child and single parent support, irrespective of their time of residence in Cyprus, which applies for the Guaranteed Minimum Income.
Furthermore, she says the social benefits system does not secure allowances for all children in need who are European citizens, and does not provide them with equal opportunities. Koursoumba points out that the law stipulates European citizens should receive equal treatment with Cypriot citizens regarding benefits and allowances.
Regarding children who are Cypriot citizens, Koursoumba said those who did not reside for a specific length of time in the government-controlled areas of the Republic have no access to the social benefits system. She points out that this condition was meant to deter destitute persons from immigrating to Cyprus, but notes that “the interests of the child cannot be equated with and assimilated into a more general public interest.”
Koursoumba proposes the immediate revision of social policies and the way they are implemented, and calls on the state, until the legislation is amended, to make all necessary actions in order to terminate the violation of children’s rights.
