European Court of Human Rights advances case on Cypriot citizenship for children of mixed marriages

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has moved the case of Enda Hancer Akkor to the next stage of examination. The case concerns a child born to a mixed marriage who was denied citizenship by the courts of the Republic of Cyprus. Six Turkish Cypriot trade unions, including the teachers' union KTÖS, are providing legal and financial support for the litigation. Burak Mavis, Secretary General of KTÖS, stated that the application will now be placed on the court's agenda. The plaintiffs argue that the criteria used by the Republic of Cyprus to deny citizenship in such cases constitute discrimination. The unions are encouraging other individuals in similar situations to apply for citizenship through their organization. The Republic of Cyprus maintains that its legal framework for citizenship acquisition is consistent with its sovereignty and internal laws.