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Research & Dialogue. www.indexcyprus.com. Cyprus. Entered the EU in 2004 Since 1960 (Independence) it has experienced a ‘national’ problem and has, since 1974, been partitioned
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Research & Dialogue www.indexcyprus.com RESTART Belfast 2010
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
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
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
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
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
How do we work • Conducting research • Deskbound • Field • Focus Groups • Promoting public dialogue • Facilitation • Citizens’ consultations • Publications RESTART Belfast 2010
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
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
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
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