Press Statement – EU Anti-Trafficking Day
Today, on the occasion of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, the Human Rights Platform and the Refugee Rights Association stand together to raise a unified voice against human trafficking. Human trafficking remains one of the gravest human rights violations of our time, and regrettably, the situation in northern part of Cyprus is worsening.
In 2024, the case involving Cypruvex, a state-owned citrus company, brought the exploitation of over 600 workers into the spotlight, raising serious concerns of human trafficking. These workers, located in the Morphou region, have been subjected to degrading conditions, threats, non-payment of wages, and forced labor. As the Human Rights Platform, with the support of the Refugee Rights Association, we have been working tirelessly to reach out to the victims, provide legal support, and seek justice. However, the negligence of state institutions and the lack of accountability have further complicated the situation.
Human trafficking does not only create individual suffering but also deeply wounds the conscience of societies. The victims in northern part of Cyprus are trapped within exploitative networks, and dismantling these requires effective cooperation at both national and international levels.
Today, we send a clear and strong message once again:
Slavery-like practices in our country and across the world must end immediately!
And until everyone is free, our struggle will continue.
The current division of Cyprus is being exploited by human traffickers, with victims being brought into the country uncontrolled and then exploited. We demand that both sides of the island no longer turn a blind eye to this growing problem and call for immediate and effective measures to protect victims and stop human trafficking.
Let us remember,
Slavery still exists in the 21st century.
People like you and I are being bought and sold as commodities.
People like you and I, in this city and in this country.
But today, we are here.
This is our Fight for Freedom.
A fight for justice and human dignity.
A world without slavery is possible.
While human trafficking destroys lives,
We know that freedom will have the final word.