The Nicosia Turkish Municipality has joined the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism to combat discrimination and uphold international human rights standards. Their membership signifies a united front in Nicosia and emphasizes their dedication to fostering an inclusive society and protecting human rights locally.
How is the Nicosia Turkish Municipality combating racism?
The Nicosia Turkish Municipality has joined the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR) to actively combat discrimination. By aligning with ECCAR, they aim to implement global best practices, uphold international human rights standards such as the Istanbul Convention, and share successful strategies with other European cities. This commitment emphasizes their role in fostering an inclusive society and protecting human rights locally.
A United Front in Nicosia
In a pivotal move towards fostering a more inclusive society, the Nicosia Turkish Municipality has recently become a member of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR). With this new alliance, the LTB has solidified its commitment to combating discrimination in all its forms. As part of its new partnership, the LTB emphasized its dedication to emulating and implementing best practices from around the globe to enrich the lives of citizens in northern Nicosia.
This integration into ECCAR signifies a momentous progression for the LTB. It underscores the municipality’s intent to not only advance its services to better serve and support the community but also to underscore its stance against discrimination and violence. As cities and local governments are increasingly acknowledged as fundamental components in the battle against racism, the LTB’s active participation brings a vital local perspective to the international dialogue.
Upholding International Standards
The LTB’s announcement also made a poignant reference to the Istanbul Convention. This treaty, originally signed by the Council of Europe member states in 2011, represents a critical framework for preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence. Despite Turkey’s withdrawal from the convention in 2021, the LTB’s invocation of the treaty illustrates their ongoing commitment to these crucial human rights issues.
The uproar caused by the north’s ‘labour ministry’ when it withdrew the Istanbul Convention from northern Nicosia’s protocol on violence against women was palpable. It prompted Nicosia’s Turkish Cypriot Mayor, Mehmet Harmanci, to respond with fervent opposition. This incident further highlights the municipality’s efforts to adhere to international standards and maintain a protective environment for all citizens.
The ECCAR Network
The ECCAR, founded with the support of UNESCO in 2004, now welcomes the Nicosia Turkish Municipality as its second member from Cyprus, following the Greek Cypriot Nicosia Municipality. This network showcases the power of collaboration as cities across Europe join forces to share their experiences and refine their policies to eradicate racism.
The coalition’s primary objective is to create a united front where municipalities can exchange successful strategies and develop comprehensive approaches to tackle racism at a local level. With the LTB’s membership, the two halves of Nicosia now stand together in ECCAR, symbolizing a step towards a more harmonious and unified approach to addressing discrimination on the island of Cyprus.
The Impact of Local Governance
The LTB’s decision to join ECCAR is a testament to the significant role local governments play in shaping societal norms and protecting human rights. Through their hands-on management of community affairs, municipalities like the LTB wield the power to affect real change and implement initiatives tailored to the needs of their constituencies.
By aligning themselves with the values and objectives of ECCAR, local authorities like the LTB set a positive example for other cities across Europe and the world. Their work proves that through solidarity, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to equality, communities can make substantial strides in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination.
1. How is the Nicosia Turkish Municipality combating racism?
The Nicosia Turkish Municipality is actively combating racism by joining the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR). Through this alliance, they aim to implement global best practices, uphold international human rights standards such as the Istanbul Convention, and share successful strategies with other European cities. This commitment emphasizes their role in fostering an inclusive society and protecting human rights locally.
2. What does the membership of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality in ECCAR signify?
The membership of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality in ECCAR signifies a united front in Nicosia against racism and discrimination. It emphasizes their dedication to combating discrimination in all its forms and their commitment to fostering an inclusive society. The membership also allows them to align with global best practices, share successful strategies, and contribute to the international dialogue on combating racism.
3. What is the Istanbul Convention and why is it significant?
The Istanbul Convention is a treaty initially signed by the Council of Europe member states in 2011. It serves as a critical framework for preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence. Despite Turkey’s withdrawal from the convention in 2021, the Nicosia Turkish Municipality’s invocation of the treaty highlights their ongoing commitment to these crucial human rights issues and their adherence to international standards.
4. What is the ECCAR network and how does it work?
The ECCAR network was founded in 2004 with the support of UNESCO. It aims to create a united front among cities across Europe to tackle racism at a local level. The network allows municipalities to exchange successful strategies, share experiences, and develop comprehensive approaches to eradicate racism. With the Nicosia Turkish Municipality’s membership, both halves of Nicosia now stand together in ECCAR, symbolizing a step towards a more harmonious and unified approach to addressing discrimination on the island of Cyprus.
