Chypre

Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs

National Network
Chypre
Address

46 Makedonitissas Av., P.O. Box 24005
1700 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
+357-2284 1661
Telephone (other)
+357 22 84 16 56
E-Mail
shekeris.a@unic.ac.cy
E-Mail (2)
cceia@unic.ac.cy
Contact (1) Full Name
Prof. Andreas Theophanous
Job Title
Head
Head of the organisation
Prof. Andreas Theophanous
Contact (2) Full Name
Mr. Anthos I. Shekeris
Job Title (2)
Senior Research Officer

Cyprus College

National Network
Chypre
Address

6 Diogenous Str., P.O.Box 22006, 1516
Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
35722713136
Telephone (other)
35722713053
Fax
35722713156
E-Mail
epolycar@cycollege.ac.cy
E-Mail (2)
celiah@cycollege.ac.cy
Mobile Phone
35799655118
Mobile Phone (other)
35799685710
Year of Establishment
1961
Fields of Activity
  1. Others
General Information
Cyprus College is the first higher education institution, established in 1961. It is a private, profit-making organization and it employs 210 people, including 100 faculty members and 110 administration members. The main source of funding for the College comes from student fees. The College offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional studies courses. Moreover, the Research Centre (RC) of Cyprus College is involved in many national and European funded projects and has a wide network of partners from all over Europe and the Middle East. Besides the Research Centre, The College operates a number of research centers and units, which among others include the Centre of Applied Research (CAR), the Foundation of Political, European and Social Studies and the Centre for the Study of Childhood and Adolescence.
Mission and Objectives

Cyprus College’s purpose has been to provide a well-rounded education of high caliber in which students could acquire the necessary academic and practical knowledge to meet academic and career requirements.
The mission of the Research Centre is to support the research community of Cyprus College. More specifically, the objectives of the RC are as follows:
• To support the efforts of the College by assisting faculty and other researchers (research centres, institutes, research units/groups within departments, etc) in obtaining external funding and by serving as an additional link between Cyprus College and public and private funding sources.
• To provide information and advice on the costing of research grants and on the procedures for awards from the major grant awarding bodies, such as the Research Promotion Foundation, EU programs and sponsors, and public or private entities in Cyprus.

Main Projects / Activities

The Research Centre of Cyprus College is widely known in Cyprus and abroad due to its significant success in conducting innovative research. During the last five years, it has developed an intense action in a wide spectrum of socio-economic and humanistic subjects.
The College is also the national coordinator of the European Social Survey (ESS), another project included in the ESFRI report. The RC has recently won a grant from the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation for the establishment of the Social Research and Humanities Research Observatory, which is the first of its kind in Cyprus.
Cyprus College has developed long-term collaborations with Mediterranean, non-EU institutions, in order to strengthen and enhance the research community within the region.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mr. Evripides Polycarpou, Director of the Office of the President and Administration
Head of the organisation
Dr. Andreas Eleftheriades
Contact (2) Full Name
Ms. Celia Hadjichristodoulou, Research Associate, Research Centre

Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC)

National Network
Chypre
Address

Ledra Palace Hotel grounds, Markou Drakou
P.O. Box 24359
1102 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
+357 22662269
Fax
+357-22-660931
E-Mail
info@cypruscommunitymedia.org
E-Mail (2)
larry@cypruscommunitymedia.org
E-Mail (3)
michalis@cypruscommunitymedia.org
E-Mail (4)
sarah@cypruscommunitymedia.org
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2009
Fields of Activity
  1. Media
General Information
Established in 2009, the Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) works to empower civil society organisations and community groups with the tools to communicate their message to a wider audience. Through training and dedicated production support, equipment loan and access to a state-of-the-art production studio, CCMC promotes the benefits of community-based media by giving people the skills to be in control of their own messages. We believe that through our work we can be an example of best practice, aiding the establishment of a vibrant community media sector in Cyprus. Based in the heart of Nicosia’s Buffer Zone, CCMC is accessible to all communities across the whole of Cyprus. We aim to act as a bridge between the mainstream media and civil society, and to facilitate the development of sustainable relationships between the media across the Cyprus divide. Through our work we strive to be inclusive, collaborative, transparent, equitable and nonpartisan, promoting the creation and broadcasting of productions that contribute to community reconciliation, diversity and multiculturalism.
Mission and Objectives

MISSION: Empowering a media literate and active society. VISION: Realising that Community Media are vital phenomena for freedom of expression and information, cultural exchange and dialogue; and that a plurality of cultures and traditions lead to a diversity of forms of community media. CCMC aims to establish community media in Cyprus and support local organisations and community groups in communicating their message to a wider audience. It does this in many different ways, whether it’s training, dedicated support, equipment loan, creating videos, taking photographs, holding public events, setting up online forums or just offering advice to its members.

Main Projects / Activities

CCMC continues to work on projects with a vast number of partners across Europe that deal with issues of human rights, peace and reconciliation, media literacy and community media.  Most recently, CCMC has been the lead in a two year, EU funded project dealing with LGBTI issues in the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus.  CCMC has also just begun another two year EU funded project with a group of prestigious partners across Europe, tackling online hate speech against refugees and migrants.  Additionally, CCMC continues to host its successful web radio station, MYCYradio.eu, a community radio station based in the Nicosia buffer zone that aims to reach out to all communities across Cyprus, offering a platform and the tools for people’s voices to be heard.  This has been successfully running since 2013 and continues to attract individuals from different backgrounds to host their own radio shows, on any topic, in any language.
Amongst this, CCMC continues to facilitate media collaboration across the Cyprus divide; promotes community media in Cyprus; builds civil society's media skill sets as well as works with local authorities and academic institutions to promote media literacy.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

CCMC is active in many of the fields supported by the ALF. We are confident we can contribute to the debate, discussion, and diversity of perspectives at a strategic level within the network itself and with other members of the network of issues such as: the potential for media to contribute to intercultural dialogue; exchange of best practice in promoting media collaboration across divided societies; and the benefits of community media for a pluralism of voices within democratic systems. We are also open to contributing to the development of media and communication skills for network members.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

CCMC believes in, and wishes to support, the work of the ALF in Cyprus and the wider Euro-Med region. Through its participation in the ALF Network, CCMC aims to broaden its contacts base and utilise the opportunity to network with organisations in the region. CCMC aims to identify project partners active in the same fields and sharing the same goals in order to join project applications in the future.

Contact (1) Full Name
Natalie Konyalian
Head of the organisation
Anthoula Papadopoulou

Cyprus Family Planning Association

National Network
Chypre
Address

27 Ezekia Papaioannou St.
P.O.B. 25706
1311 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
357-22751093
E-Mail
info@cfpa.org.cy
E-Mail (2)
director@cfpa.org.cy
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1971
Fields of Activity
  1. Human rights
General Information

The Cyprus Family Planning Association (CFPA) has nearly five decades of experience on working and advocating sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly of youth, but also working with women, vulnerable populations, and minorities. We have expertise in human rights, education including non-formal methods, workshops, advocacy, particularly sexual rights education, training and advocacy, women and minority rights. We have developed curricula, manuals and training tools on comprehensive sexuality education, training programs on gender and relationships, have carried out research projects in relation to sexuality, experiences, and sexuality education needs, and we continue for decades to actively engage in advocacy and policy formation on gender, youth and sexuality.

Mission and Objectives

CFPA's vision is a world where sexuality is expressed and enjoyed in freedom, equality, respect and love. Respect and protection of sexual reproductive rights as basic human rights is a prerequisite for ensuring sexual health and wellbeing of all people. Our mission is to promote the development of a society where all people can enjoy the basic human right to make free and informed choices in their sexual, emotional and reproductive lives. The Association works to defend, protect and advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights of all women, men and young people, and exercises a leading role in sexual and reproductive health through the work of it’s committed, competent and skilled volunteers and staff.

Main Projects / Activities

Comprehensive Sexuality Education is one of our main priorities. Our position is that evidence-based, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), free of prejudice, dogma or ideologies, is necessary to equip young people with the tools - knowledge and skills- needed to make informed and free choices regarding their sexual life. Thus, we plan, implement and evaluate information and education programs for youth by youth and experts in the field, educate parents, teacher and other professionals, and publish accurate information and educational materials on issues of sexuality. We also carry out research programs to record and document the needs in Cyprus and conduct programs to promote and defend Sexual Reproductive Rights. We have published two Sexuality Education Manuals for Teachers for Primary and Secondary Education which have been adopted by the Ministry of Education and Culture. CFPA also runs a Help Line which provides support and information to all. CFPA is a youth-oriented organisation and its programs and services are tailored to address the needs of young people with a focus on increasing young people’s awareness on SRHR issues and empowering them to make informed decisions related to their physical, mental and social well being. Adding to this, increasing active youth participation at all levels of decision-making, one of the priorities set under the Association’s Strategic Planning. The “Youth for Youth” Group which was established in 1996 by a group of active young people, is one of the governing bodies of CFPA with members 16-30 years of age. The “Youth for Youth” group's actions are guided by an 'Internal Regulations' document and five youth representatives are elected in a Coordinating Committee. The “Youth for Youth” Group members are actively involved in the decision-making processes of the organisation. Overall, young people in this group are trained to be peer educators on CSE and support the counseling services of the Association. We have experience in European and local projects in the fields of education, including peer learning and non-formal learning, advocacy, research working with youth, women and minorities, especially concerning on topics gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights. We can offer expertise and partnership in various European and other funded projects, including but not limited to REC, Europe for Citizens, Justice, Erasmus+ projects.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We are one of the most experienced NGOs in Cyprus, with nearly 50 years of active contribution, can share expertise on topics including gender, sexuality, sexual health and rights, working with youth, minorities and marginalized groups, through activities that include education, formal and non formal, curricula and toolkit development, research, youth work, bottom-up policy development, and advocacy.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Establish and strengthen partnerhips, expand our scope of work, networks and collaboration further both locally and regionally but especially to the South of the Mediterranean, exchange practices and share common visions. Opportunities to develop, design, and implement projects contributing toward shared mission and vision of our organisation and our partners.

Informations supplémentaires
Contact (1) Full Name
Maria Epaminonda
Job Title
Executive Director
Head of the organisation
Dora Georgiou

Cyprus Family Planning Association

National Network
Chypre
Address

27 Ezekia Papaioannou Street
Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
00357 22751093
Telephone (other)
1455
Fax
0035722757495
E-Mail
director@cfpa.org.cy
E-Mail (2)
mariaepami@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
famplan@spidernet.com.cy
E-Mail (4)
mariaepami@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1971
Fields of Activity
  1. Gender
  2. Human rights
  3. Youth and education
General Information
Cyprus Family Planning Association (CFPA) was founded in 1971 and is the leading non profit, non governmental, voluntary organization on sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Cyprus, envisioning a world where sexuality is expressed and enjoyed in freedom, equality, respect and love. CFPA is an accredited member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). The Association provides educational, informational, and counseling services in the sphere of SRHR and has a long experience and expertise in the provision of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) through non formal education and in advocacy work on SRHR. The Association’s staff (2 members) is experienced in design, implementation, evaluation and project management of numerous projects funded by the European Commission and other donors which are developed and implemented in cooperation with the CFPA’s expert volunteers and partners mainly human rights organizations and networks at national and international level.
Mission and Objectives

Mission
To promote a society in which everyone can enjoy the basic human right to choose freely, based on accurate information, on issues relating to their sexual, emotional and reproductive lives, and advocates towards the creating space for exercising this right. Assistance services and information provided by the Association are done so on the basis of the facilitating the aforementioned human right.
Objectives
To protect, defend and promote every person’s sexual and reproductive rights.
To provide training and counselling services in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, which are accessible to all, and in particular to the more vulnerable groups in society.
To take the leading role in the area of sexual and reproductive health via dedicated, skilled and qualified volunteers and staff.
To promote sexual and reproductive health rights and human rights on an international level giving emphasis to mobilizing resources for this in developing countries.
 
 
 
 
 

Main Projects / Activities

As previously mentioned the Association provides educational, informational, and counseling services in the sphere of SRHR and has a long experience and expertise in the provision of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) through non formal education and in advocacy work on SRHR. The Association implements and evaluates information and educational programs for youth by youth and specialists, educates parents, teachers and other professionals and publishes authoritative information and educational materials on issues of sexuality. The free helpline 1455, staffed by trained volunteers, offers information on sexuality. Finally it carries out research programs and documents needs in Cyprus and conduct programs to promote and defend Sexual Reproductive Rights. At this time period the CFPA runs also the following projects: 1) “KEEP ME SAFE”: Empowering Young People with Learning Disabilities (YPWLD) to protect themselves against sexual abuse and violence across Europe” funded by the European Commission Directorate General Justice. Programme “Daphne III: To prevent and combat violence against children, young people and women and to protect victims and groups at risk” 2) “I’M SET” – Implementing Mandatory Sexuality Education for Teens in Cyprus. This project is an 18-month bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Norway which also involves an outstanding collaboration between civil society organizations and educational authorities in Cyprus. A project with the aim to promote the sexual rights of teens through the implementation of mandatory human rights based Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in middle schools in Cyprus. The project has been developed and is coordinated by the Cyprus Family Planning Association (CFPA), with the active participation of the Commissioner for Children's Rights, the Pedagogical Institute - Ministry of Education and Culture, the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies in Cyprus and Sex og Politikk - Association for Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights in Norway, as partners of the project. This project is funded by from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants and the Republic of Cyprus. 3) i-vee - the development of an interactive mobile application with the aim to explore the values of volunteerism using the game mechanics. This project is implemented in cooperation with the Egypt Foundation for Youth and Development (EFYD) and funded by United Nations Development Fund (UNDP)
 

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

The experience and expertise of the Association in the field of SRHR can contribute and support the main scope of ALF which is overcoming the misunderstandings and stereotypes which affect relations between and within societies of the region.  Sexuality is a natural and precious aspect of life essential and fundamental part of our humanity which very often can lead to discrimination, stigma, fear and violence; threats that are obstacles between people’s relations and at the same time creating problems also within societies.
Volunteers have been one of the main strengths of the Association. Their active involvement in the Association whether this is in the governance of CFPA or the programs and activities of the Association is mutually beneficial not only for the organization and the volunteers but also for the society as active citizens.  The Association has volunteers and especially young people who participate and are involved in decision-making. As a result, CFPA is well informed and up-to-date related to the current and changing needs of young people, therefore is able to effectively design, implement and evaluate programs and services targeted to young people but It also provides opportunities, skills and knowledge for shaping a team of future leaders and decision-makers. Many members of the Board of Directors of CFPA have been members of the ‘Youth for Youth’ group and continue to be very passionate,  active and loyal to the Association’s vision and mission and provide their support by being actively involved in the organization’s programs and activities some of them for many years. Some of them are active members in European Youth Networks such as YSAFE Network. The very active young volunteers have the skills and experience to contribute to the development of an Intercultural Strategy for the Euro-Mediterranean Region.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We would just love to belong to a network where its aim is to bring people together from across the Mediterranean to improve mutual respect between cultures and to support civil society working for a common future for the region. It feels like a safe environment for an NGO where can be given the opportunity to be empowered and flourish in the civil society world by sharing expertise, experiences, inspirational ideas and projects, best practices, building up relationships among people, countries, regions and together can bridge cultural differences and perceptions and can actually lead to a better understanding of humanity.  

Contact (1) Full Name
Maria Epaminonda
Job Title
Executive Director
Head of the organisation
Maria Epaminonda

Cyprus Food and Nutrition Museum

National Network
Chypre
Address

5 Christianas Christofidou street, Egkomi, 2417
Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
+35799059820
E-Mail
cyfoodmuseum@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
STALOLAZ@LOGOSNET.CY.NET
Mobile Phone
+35799059820
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2012
Fields of Activity
  1. Environment/Sustainable development
  2. Heritage
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information
We are a non-profit, non governmental organization, which is administered by 3 board of directors. Members of our society come from various disciplines and areas: Historians, Food Scientists, Nutritionists, Food Editors in newspapers, Food Journalists, Computer Scientists, Museologists, Museum Educators, Educators, Teachers, Chefs. Skills and Expertise Offered: Study of traditional foods from various disciplines, provide profiles and history of traditional foods, connect network with important research centers on traditional foods in Europe, offer know –how on methodology for archiving food -and drink-related information and data from European regions and develop a unified platform for sharing knowledge, present case studies and profiles of successful commercialized traditional products, assist in promotion of gastronomic tourism and training personnel working in the touristic sector . Assist in organization of activities to promote traditional foods. Sources of income come from members' subscriptions and research projects.
Mission and Objectives

Cyprus Food and Nutrition Museum is a non profit Cultural and Research society which aims at conducting and undertaking initiatives and activities to promote knowledge and practice of traditional foods. We have developed an electronic depository of data related to food history and culture: The Cyprus Food Virtual Museum,where information, along with visual representations, from the prehistoric till the current time, on the use of Cypriot traditional foods, associated everyday practices and meals, recipes, tools, and processing techniques have been digitized.

Main Projects / Activities

Cyprus Food and Nutrition Museum is an associate partner of the Virtual Museum Transnational Network Network (V-musT.net!), the Learning Museum Network. We are participating in the development of Food & Drink Europeana (the largest digitized encyclopedia in Europe) and in the Leonardo Da Vinci exchange program "Culinary Bridges across Europe", which aims to get acquainted with the gastronomic culture of Europe. Members of our team have participated in several national funded research programs and bilateral projects and have established collaborations with various research centers in Europe and elsewhere.
At a national level, amongst others, we have established the national contest in traditional cooking among children and youth, we are organizing practical workshops on traditional cookery and educational museulogy workshops on the folklore of food.

Contact (1) Full Name
Chrystalleni Lazarou
Head of the organisation
Chrystalleni Lazarou

Cyprus Gender Research Centre (EKIF)

National Network
Chypre
Address

17 Ithakis street
2400 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
0035799435235
Fax
0035722353336
E-Mail
info@ekif.org
E-Mail (2)
despina_eey@msn.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2006
Fields of Activity
  1. Gender
  2. Heritage
  3. Human rights
  4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  5. Research
  6. Youth and education
General Information

The structure of the organization consists of a seven-member board. We set up committees consisting of members of the board and other partners (e.g. researchers) for drafting up project proposals, collecting and analysing data, and writing up reports.
Our budgetary resource ranges from 5000 to 10000 euro per year. Our main sources of funding are membership fees and project grants mainly from governmental sources, such as ministries and departments. We have also received funding from the Commissioner of Public Administration, the University of Cyprus, the National Machinery for Women’s Rights, the National Youth Organization, the Head of the European Parliament Representation in Cyprus, the Unesco chair for Gender Equality of the University of Cyprus, the Union of primary and secondary school teachers.
Modalities of action: seminars, research projects, networking activities, press releases, dissemination of findings through publications and the website, interventions, participation in conferences and seminars.

Mission and Objectives

The Cyprus Gender Research Centre (EKIF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to developing and providing activities mainly through research which enhance the ability of men and women to live in a world of equal opportunity. The activities of EKIF aim to promote equal opportunities and policies that will allow reconciliation of work and family life for all members of society. EKIF's main concerns are women's under-representation in decision-making bodies, exploitation of female immigrants, trafficking and violence against women and children. It also promotes human rights on a national and European level for the elimination of all forms of gender discrimination. Through advocacy and intervention, EKIF aims at developing critical thinking regarding equality and the deconstruction of gender stereotypes ingrained in the Cyprus society.

Main Projects / Activities

We carried out the following seven research projects on a national level:
1. Parliamentary elections 2006: The gender preferences of Cypriot voters (2006)
2. The representation of male and female teaching personnel in primary and secondary education and its implications on educational and social outcomes (2008)
3. Female immigrants - Profile, obstacles, needs, aspirations (2010)
4. Mapping the research landscape in Cyprus through the gender perspective (2012)
5. The gender perspective of unemployment: views and attitudes of youth, employers and trade union officials (2016)
6. Parliamentary elections 2006 and 2016: The gender preferences of Cypriot voters (2016)
7. Gender in Entrepreneurship: views, attitudes and intentions of university studnets (2018)

Our current research project: 'Views of students and teachers as regards the successful integration of students with migrant biography in the school environment from the gender perspective'.

For all projects, a public seminar was organised in order to disseminate the main findings of each project. The findings of the projects are published electronically and in print in order to influence policy makers and other interested parties.

All our projects and activities are uploaded on our website (www.ekif.org).

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We can share our experience in designing and implementing research projects on a national level and disseminating findings. We have completed successfully projects that touch on youth issues, gender, human rights and immigrants. Hence, our expertise and knowledge gained could be of use to the network in our country. We would support the efforts of the network for promoting a society free of discrimination that encourages inclusiveness, empathy and dialogue.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We would like to join the ALF network in order to
- Share the ALF network vision
- Join forces with other Euro-Mediterranean organizations that focus on intercultural action around the three pillars: Empowering young voices; Influencing policymakers; Building a movement for dialogue and exchange in the face of growing mistrust and polarization among societies.
- Enrich our expertise regarding the promotion of human rights, intercultural cooperation and fighting discrimination

Informations supplémentaires
Contact (1) Full Name
Dr Despina Solomi
Job Title
President
Head of the organisation
Dr Despina Solomi
Contact (2) Full Name
Dr Eleni Demosthenous
Job Title (2)
Secretary

CYPRUS MIGRANT ARTIST ASSOCIATION

National Network
Chypre
Address

KRITIS 4C
1060 NICOSIA
Chypre

Telephone
+35796629926
Telephone (other)
+393466433054
E-Mail
associationcyma@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
michaelndop@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
davide.iori12@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
+35796629926
Mobile Phone (other)
+393466433054
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
2021
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
General Information

CYMAA STRUCTURE
Art director: Michael Nwandoh (Mendoh K)
Art cordinator: Davide Iori
Administrator of Writers Department: Dina Husseini
Administrator of Music Department: Michael Nwandoh.

Donations and membership

Modalities of Action: CYMAA official launch, workshops, CYMAA concert

Partners: outlaw recording studio, brainbox multimedia, African House Restaurant, Caritas Cyprus

Mission and Objectives

CYMAA is a musical association originated and based in Cyprus with a purpose to acquire, inspire, empower, transform and promote young migrant Artist unto a successful Artistic career.

CYMAA MISSION/OBJECTIVES
- To organize concerts, workshops, festivals, talent shows and artistic presentations unto a consistence building and growth
- To acquire upcoming and professional migrant artist to inspire, empower, transform and promote their musical career unto growth and stability.
- Contacting and creating links with various organizations into forming a bigger and lively community
- Establishing a link between Artist, Producers, Recording Labels, and Fanbase
- Helping Artist to record and as well create videos through sponsorships or donations.
- Reaching out to sponsors and donors who wish to help migrant artist realize growth as well as others who step in to support the course of the organization.

Main Projects / Activities

- To create a music album with the best Cymaa singers
- To organize the official Cymaa launch event
- Organizing talent shows which will help to select/promote talented artist
- Creating workshops for musicians, writers, dancers and painters

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

- Partnering with similar associations under the ALF network to create and carry out projects
- Involving other ALF members in our workshops either as attendants or panelist
- Encouraging other well established organizations to partner with ALF
-

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

- To get more connected with other associations under the said network
- To have access to funding through grants and other financial streams
- To be updated about new governmental policies and linked to various international associations/NGOs under the ALF network
- To export our best practice and be connected with similar communities across Mediterranean
- To have a legal coverage so as to ease our activities

Informations supplémentaires
Contact (1) Full Name
MICHAEL NWANDOH NDOP
Job Title
ART DIRECTOR
Head of the organisation
MICHAEL NWANDOH / DAVIDE IORI
Contact (2) Full Name
DAVIDE IORI
Job Title (2)
ART CORDINATOR

Cyprus Refugee Council

National Network
Chypre
Address

Stassandrou 9, floor 4
1060 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
22205959
Fax
22205960
E-Mail
info@cyrefugeecouncil.org
E-Mail (2)
corina@cyrefugeecouncil.org
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2016
Fields of Activity
  1. Gender
  2. Human rights
  3. Others
General Information

The Cyprus Refugee Council, is an independent, non for profit organization, established as the evolution of the Humanitarian Affairs Unit of the NGO Future Worlds Center. The Unit during its 11 years of operation had grown significantly to become the expert in Cyprus on refugee related issues, making it one of the main actors in Cyprus in the area. Besides implementing a UNHCR funded project since 2006 the Unit has implemented a considerable number of related projects under various funds such as UNVFVT, EU Commission funds, EPIM, ECRE, German Embassy and other. Given the growth of the Unit, the Board of Directors of the Future Worlds Center has supported its evolution into an independent entity, which focuses exclusively on issues related to refugees and asylum seekers as well as other inter-related issues. The independent entity with the name ‘Cyprus Refugee Council’ is the first NGO in Cyprus to focus primarily on refugees. The work carried out by the Unit as well as the existing team is in the process of being transferred on to the CyRC. The organization has a 6 member Board of Directors and 12 people staff. The CyRC's Team includes members who have over 10 years experience in refugee related work and a clear understanding of the population and the environment in Cyprus, including opportunities and challenges. The Team has been able to build significantly on its local knowledge and presence, and over the years it has shown its ability to gain the trust of persons of concern through the rapport established with the refugees and their communities in Cyprus. Furthermore, the team is considered by many national institutions as well as local and International/EU organisations, and NGOs as a credible and reliable source of information on related issues.    

Mission and Objectives

The Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC) strives to safeguard, support and advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups in Cyprus, promoting their effective integration into the host society. Focusing on refugees, asylum seekers, detainees, trafficking victims and survivors of torture, CyRC works closely with the local society in order to provide quality services at the individual, community and policy level. CyRC aims to; • Promote human rights and social justice. • Contribute towards an inclusive society • Advocate for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants • Address social inequalities, poverty and exclusion • Combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination  

Main Projects / Activities

What we do: Advocacy We advocate for the establishment and implementation of positive legislation, policies and practices, in accordance with International and European Law. This is carried out directly towards national, EU and International bodies, through evidence based advocacy. • Case management Our team of experts follows an inter-disciplinary approach, by providing individualized legal, social and psychological support to persons of concern with the aim to ensure access to rights, integration into the local communities and a satisfactory quality of life. • Community Work & Capacity Building At the community level, we pursue the empowerment of individuals and groups as well as their mobilisation, and meaningful participation in all aspects of society. For that purpose, we conduct trainings, workshops, seminars and other capacity building activities to persons of concern, other NGOs and professionals in the field, volunteers and members of local communities, authorities and policy makers. • Public Awareness We promote a positive and respectful public attitude towards vulnerable groups by encouraging open-mindedness, addressing marginalisation and discrimination of persons of concern and combating xenophobia and intolerance. Furthermore, we network with relevant civil society actors, educational institutions and media. • Research In the context of various projects, we undertake research activities in order to develop existing knowledge and conduct sound analysis of the cultural, political and economic context of population of persons of concern and their host communities as well as the community dynamics. Projects: 1. Strengthening Asylum is a project funded by the UNHCR Representation in Cyprus. The project aims to advocate for the enhancement of rights of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as to support, and encourage their integration into the Cypriot society. 2. Pilot Implementation of Alternatives to Detention (AtDs) of TCN in Cyprus, is a 2-year project funded by  the European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM). 3. Supporting Victims of Torture is a project funded by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. The project aims to support and promote the empowerment and rehabilitation of people who have been subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment in their country of origin and/or in Cyprus. 4. The project “Co-creating a counseling method for refugee women gender-based violence victims” is funded by the European Commission Directorate-General Justice and Consumers.The projects overall aim is to inform, support and encourage reporting of refugee women GBV victims by offering them access to specific support service. 5. METs:This project is a European project between seven expert refugee rehabilitation centers. It aims in designing and testing an empowerment method for survivors of torture and victims of trafficking. The method will be presented through a conference to all expert centers in Europe.  

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Through our team's expertice in matters of refugees we can contribute to the development of a more peaceful and interculture society, with no social inequalities, racism, xenophobia and discrimination.  Refugees, are one part of the society that faces isolation and discrimination, and as our mission suggests we strive to safeguard and support the rights of vulnerable populations.  Furthermore, through advocacy work and our experience we can contribute to the development of policies and shared values that will bring cultures together.   

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Joining the ALF Network will give us the oportunity to meet other organizations to exchange knowledge and good practices.  Moreover, we hope to get funding oportunities that will allow us to utilize and impliment ideas and goals that will assist the quality of life of refugees in Cyprus. Lastly, we know that the ALF Network will open oportunities for CyRC to expand it's work and knowledge.

Contact (1) Full Name
Corina Drousiotou
Head of the organisation
Tonia Loizidou
Contact (2) Full Name
Tonia Loizidou
Job Title (2)
Managing Director