CAT/OP/CYP/1/Add.1
29.
The Code of Ethics was distributed in booklet form to all members of the Police for
awareness raising purposes, as well as, strengthening transparency and public confidence
towards the Police, further development of professionalism within the Police and promotion
of citizens’ human rights.
30.
The Code has eight articles that are related to the general obligations and duties of
the Police, behavior during police actions, behavior during investigations and interviews,
behavior during arrest and detention, etc.
31.
The Code of Ethics was uploaded to the Police Portal and the official website of the
Cyprus Police, both in Greek and English.
4.
Handbook on Human Rights and Manual on the treatment on juvenile offenders and
victims
32.
The Handbook on Human Rights was prepared by the Police in order to inform and
sensitize police members on the protection and promotion of human rights. The Handbook
includes issues relating to the use of force, treatment of detainees, detention conditions, etc.
The Handbook will be printed and distributed to members of the Police and will also be
uploaded to the police portal.
33.
The Manual on the treatment on juvenile offenders and victims was prepared and
distributed to all relevant departments of the Police. The Manual aims to raise awareness of
police officers on handling juvenile offenders and victims, and to promote and protect the
rights of these persons. The Manual was distributed to members of the Police and was
uploaded to the police portal.
5.
Conference entitled “Respect for Human Rights”
34.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day (10th of December) a conference was
organized by the Cyprus Police in 2016. The aim of the conference was to raise awareness
with regards to respect and protection of human rights and the strengthening of human
rights protection during the exercise of Police duties. 100 members of the Police attended
the conference. The conference will be repeated in December 2017.
6.
Folders on Human Rights and Racism
35.
A folder was created on the internal website of the Police (portal) entitled “Human
Rights”, in order to systematically inform and sensitize all members of the Police on issues
concerning human rights and the treatment of detainees. The folder includes circular letters,
conventions, legislation, reports and manuals of best practices.
36.
A second folder entitled “Racism & Diversity” was uploaded on the official website
of the Cyprus Police. The folder includes brochures, targeting primarily third country
vulnerable groups residing in Cyprus, which were published and uploaded in four
languages (English, Bengali, Vietnamese and Sinhalese with all necessary information
concerning existing legislation and legal protection against discrimination.
7.
Memorandum of Understanding
37.
The Chief of Police and representatives of NGOs signed on 9 Feb. 2017, a
Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights with
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The purpose of the Memorandum is to further
improve and develop closer cooperation between NGOs and the Police for the protection
and promotion of human rights. The Memorandum includes the following sections: “Visits
in police detention centers or at the Menoyia Detention Center”, “Provision of assistance in
police detention centers or at the Menoyia Detention Center”, “Submission of
complaints/exchange of information”, “Education”, etc.
8.
Study on Human Rights
38.
The Police is preparing a study on Human Rights and ill-treatment, which is
expected to be completed in 2017 and will examine court cases involving human rights
violations such as abuse, degrading treatment, illegal arrests, etc.
7