Turkish Cypriot Bar Association Calls for Action Against Human Trafficking
The Human Rights Committee of the Turkish Cypriot Bar Association has called for immediate criminal proceedings against individuals who obstruct basic human rights, engage in labor exploitation and human trafficking, or tolerate and facilitate such actions.
The Committee highlighted a previous statement titled “Stop Human Trafficking in the TRNC,” made around July 30th for the International Day Against Human Trafficking. In it, they addressed violations arising from labor exploitation and human trafficking, emphasizing that the conditions resembling modern slavery reported by Özgür Gazete are not new and cannot be blamed on a single person, as many are responsible.
The statement further elaborated:
“Sadly, in northern Cyprus, foreign workers have long faced severe human rights violations, including human trafficking. Many have had their passports confiscated, faced restricted freedoms, and been denied basic worker rights like access to healthy food, shelter, fair wages, and social security.
“A DIRE SITUATION”
From 2018 to 2021, through our “Justice for Victims of Human Trafficking” project, we provided legal aid to victims and uncovered a dire situation. Numerous individuals, including seasonal and construction workers, university students, and nightclub employees, sought our help. Human trafficking, exploiting insecurity and vulnerability, was criminalized in 2020 with our input. However, despite the evident issue, adequate measures to prevent it have not been taken.
“NEED FOR ACTION”
A significant issue is the lack of punishment for those operating against the legislation. The Labor Department should facilitate job placements and ensure compliance with the Labor Law, which prohibits intermediary agencies from operating for profit. Despite this, many such agencies are publicly known and sometimes collaborate with public administration, with illegal practices often overlooked.
“CALL FOR PENALTY ACTION”
The Human Rights Committee of the Turkish Cypriot Bar Association demands that all individuals who obstruct fundamental human rights, engage in labor exploitation and human trafficking, or support such acts face criminal proceedings without delay.”
