Newsroom
By Rafaela Dimitriadi
Cyprus’ parliament has approved moving the responsibility for tackling human trafficking from the Migration Ministry to the Justice Ministry, a change lawmakers and NGOs say is necessary to treat the issue as the serious human rights violation it is, not just a migration concern.
The move comes after years of fragmented efforts and repeated warnings that the current system was underpowered. In recent discussions before the Human Rights Committee, lawmakers welcomed Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris’ decision to take charge of coordinating anti-trafficking efforts.
“This is a critical issue,” Fytiris said. “Human trafficking involves both a humanitarian dimension and obligations under international and European law. Most cases fall under criminal networks, so it makes sense for the Justice Ministry to lead the fight.”
Under the new plan, a bill submitted by DISY lawmaker Rita Superman will accelerate procedures and clarify responsibilities and is set for a vote in Parliament this Thursday. Superman called the move “a positive step that can usher in a new era if the ministry is properly staffed and political will exists.”
Previously, oversight had been split, with the Migration Ministry handling coordination, a setup critics said downplayed trafficking as a human rights issue. “This has been a major problem,” Superman said. “For two years, the topic was downgraded and ineffective. Now, the Justice Ministry will lead the effort, ensuring inter-ministerial cooperation and real protection for victims.”
Lawmakers also noted that Cyprus has long faced sexual and labor exploitation, particularly affecting women in tourism hubs like Ayia Napa. AKEL MP Giorgos Koukoumas warned that despite legal frameworks and national plans, enforcement has been fragmented, underfunded, and largely ineffective.
The government says no victims of trafficking have been deported, a firm “red line” in policy, and frontline police are trained to identify potential victims. Risk assessments are carried out, and emergency shelter support is provided.
NGOs expressed relief at the shift. “We welcome this law and hope it revitalizes all services and organizations to work effectively to combat human trafficking,” they said.
Lawmakers stressed the human toll: roughly 44,000 girls in the region have gone missing over the years, many believed to be victims of trafficking. Alexandra Attalidou, another MP, criticized the previous arrangement, saying, “Trafficking is a human rights issue. Migration authorities alone cannot adequately protect victims.”
With the Justice Ministry now taking the reins, Cyprus aims to better coordinate law enforcement, strengthen victim protection, and address human trafficking as both a crime and a human rights crisis.
