In the eastern Mediterranean lies an island divided not just by geography but by decades of political strife and unaddressed grievances. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has, since its establishment in 1983, been subjected to a series of political and economic isolations that have stifled its growth and silenced its voice on the international stage. Despite the facade of progress and negotiation, the Greek side continues to claim representation over the entire island, a stance that undermines the fundamental human rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

A History of Marginalization

The roots of this division trace back to the 1960s when intercommunal violence and constitutional breakdown led to a split between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island. The situation escalated in 1974 when a Greek-backed coup d'état aimed at unification with Greece prompted Türkiye to exercise its rights as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. The result was the physical division of Cyprus, with the north becoming predominantly Turkish Cypriot and the south predominantly Greek Cypriot.

Since then, the Greek side has established itself as the Republic of Cyprus, gaining international recognition and joining the European Union in 2004. However, this recognition came without the consent or representation of the Turkish Cypriots. As Professor Stefan Talmon of the University of Oxford notes, "The Turkish Cypriot community has been effectively excluded from the international legal order, despite their clear and consistent expression of self-determination."¹

The Right to Self-Determination

Under the United Nations Charter, the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle. Article 1(2) of the UN Charter emphasizes the development of friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Furthermore, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirms that "All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."²

Despite these clear legal frameworks, the Turkish Cypriots have been denied this basic human right. The Greek side's persistent claim over the entire island disregards the will and identity of the Turkish Cypriot community. As British MP Sir David Amess stated in a parliamentary debate, "It is untenable for the Greek Cypriot administration to claim sovereignty over the whole island while systematically excluding Turkish Cypriots from governance."³

Economic and Social Embargoes

The embargoes imposed on the TRNC have had devastating effects on its economy and society. Direct flights to Northern Cyprus are prohibited, forcing travelers to transit through Türkiye. Trade restrictions limit the export of goods, and athletes from the TRNC are barred from participating in international competitions under their own flag.

These embargoes are not just economic barriers; they are violations of human rights. The European Court of Human Rights has recognized that such isolations impede the social and cultural development of the Turkish Cypriot community. In the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, "The Turkish Cypriots have suffered from undue isolation. I believe that they need to be able to trade more freely across the Green Line and with the rest of the world."⁴

A Parallel to Global Injustices

The situation in Northern Cyprus bears resemblance to other geopolitical conflicts where one group's rights are suppressed by another's dominance. While the scale and circumstances differ, the essence of denied self-determination and human rights violations is alarmingly similar.

Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece, a member of the UK House of Lords, draws a parallel: "Just as the international community advocates for the rights of Palestinians or other oppressed groups, it must also recognize the plight of the Turkish Cypriots who have been left in limbo for decades."⁵

International Voices Calling for Change

There is a growing chorus of international figures advocating for a reevaluation of the status quo in Cyprus. British politicians, in particular, have begun to question the fairness of the current approach.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the Conservative Party, has commented, "It's high time we acknowledge the realities on the ground. The Turkish Cypriots have established their own functioning democratic institutions. Ignoring them only perpetuates division."⁶

Similarly, former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has argued for a two-state solution, stating, "The reunification talks have led nowhere. Recognizing the TRNC might actually provide the impetus needed for a lasting resolution."⁷

The Path Forward: Embracing a Two-State Solution

The insistence on a singular Cypriot identity under Greek Cypriot leadership has proven unproductive. A two-state solution, acknowledging both the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north as separate but cooperative entities, could pave the way for lasting peace and mutual respect.

Dr. Ahmet Sözen, a political scientist from Eastern Mediterranean University, asserts, "A bi-zonal, bi-communal federation has been the aim for decades, but perhaps it's time to consider alternative models that respect the distinct identities and desires of both communities."⁸

Conclusion: Recognizing Reality for Reconciliation

The international community's failure to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has not fostered unity; instead, it has entrenched division and resentment. By denying the Turkish Cypriots their rightful representation and subjecting them to unfair embargoes and isolations, the Greek side perpetuates a cycle of injustice.

It's imperative for global leaders and institutions to reassess their stance. Recognition of the TRNC is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative rooted in the principles of human rights and self-determination.

As the world watches other conflicts unfold, often too late to prevent tragedy, there lies an opportunity in Cyprus to set a precedent for proactive and fair resolution. The Turkish Cypriots have waited long enough for their voices to be heard and their rights to be acknowledged. It's time to listen.

References:

¹ Talmon, S. (2012). Recognition of Governments in International Law. Oxford University Press.

² United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

³ UK Parliament. (2017). Hansard Parliamentary Debates.

⁴ Annan, K. (2004). Report of the Secretary-General on his mission of good offices in Cyprus.

⁵ House of Lords. (2019). Debate on Cyprus.

⁶ Duncan Smith, I. (2020). Interview with BBC.

⁷ Straw, J. (2010). Article in The Times.

⁸ Sözen, A. (2021). Lecture at Eastern Mediterranean University.