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Promoting Social Inclusion and Dialogue Among Communities in Cyprus

RESTART (registered in Belfast, 2010) is a not-for-profit organization founded by academics to foster inclusive dialogue and policy-making in Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974. With a commitment to social justice and human rights, RESTART engages in quality research, public debates, and citizen consultations. Current projects include training for mediation skills and addressing social issues like trafficking and integration of migrants. Based in Nicosia, RESTART aims to empower local communities in shaping a democratic future.

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Promoting Social Inclusion and Dialogue Among Communities in Cyprus

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  1. Research & Dialogue www.indexcyprus.com RESTART Belfast 2010

  2. Cyprus • Entered the EU in 2004 • Since 1960 (Independence) it has experienced a ‘national’ problem and has, since 1974, been partitioned • A few weeks before becoming an EU member a referendum took place on each side of the island on a comprehensive proposal for reunification on the basis of a federal solution - but failed RESTART Belfast 2010

  3. INDEX • Index formally registered in November 2004 – not for profit company • Founded by a group of academics and researchers who met in the context of the referendum in Cyprus • Shared commitment to an inclusive society, unhindered flow of information and open public debate RESTART Belfast 2010

  4. INDEX - Aims • Promotion of public debate • Quality social research • Inclusive policy making procedure • Democratisation • Social inclusion, Social injustice, Human Rights • Development of substantive dialogue and cooperation between the two main communities in Cyprus RESTART Belfast 2010

  5. Recent projects • Citizens Consultations – Debate Europe • EUTOPIA – development of negotiations and mediation skills through online training - LLP • Challenging Walls - Culture 2000 • Trafficking – policy review, research, publication • Democratic audit - EC • Diversity training – Integration Fund RESTART Belfast 2010

  6. Other INDEX activities • Chair of the NGO Initiative for Law Reform – aimed at the modernisation of the legal context within which NGOs function and the introduction of legislation for Public Benefit Organisations • Member of the NGDO Platform – the Cyprus based development Platform • AIDWatch coordinator for Cyprus RESTART Belfast 2010

  7. How do we work • Conducting research • Deskbound • Field • Focus Groups • Promoting public dialogue • Facilitation • Citizens’ consultations • Publications RESTART Belfast 2010

  8. Who do we work with • Localised populations and special interest groups • Media • Parliamentarians – trafficking, law reform • Ministry of Interior – NGO group commenting on the action plan for the integration of migrants • Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance – Development Platform • Ministries of Interior and Finance – Law reform RESTART Belfast 2010

  9. The environment we work in • Cyprus remains a divided society • Has relied on structured Social Dialogue • Lacks flexibility in responding to new needs • Lack of Governance - The participation of NGOs in policy making is more recent and has not yet been formalised • A small society that more easily punishes dissent • Being a small society it also commonly functions on the basis of cronyism • Formalistic adoption of EU priorities RESTART Belfast 2010

  10. More about INDEX • Small organisation • Employs three persons • Works with associates • Shares offices • Based in Nicosia • Works with grants • In the process of constructing a development plan to incorporate economic activities RESTART Belfast 2010

  11. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration You can contacts us at: Flat 402, 62 Arsinoes Street, Nicosia 2001, Cyprus Tel +357 22313376/99412712 Fax +357 22374154 index1@cytanet.com.cy RESTART Belfast 2010

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