Overview:

• The constitution extends existential recognition to the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Islam, Maronite Catholicism, Armenian Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism.

• Recognition and registration are differentiated although the former is not available to any other groups not already recognised in the constitution; legal registration is offered to all other groups which constitutes partial recognition; the legal registration process does not provide the same degree of benefits as the existential recognition provided in the constitution.

• Non-percolative recognition is in effect in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus because, as a de facto state, it has its own laws on religious recognition.

Positive elements:

• The provision of the Ombudsman is there to protect human rights in the country and demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to upholding the rights of citizens.

Recommendations:

• Establish an independent recognition agency to manage religious recognition and registration in the country separate from government control in order to maintain the ectopolitical nature of freedom of religion or belief.

• Resolve some of the minor issues in the system by making it more equitable; the lack of equitability is the primary reason why Cyprus cannot yet be classified as dynamic.