Contributing to dialogue and reconciliation in Cyprus
Key facts:
In the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are supporting the establishment of a new centre aiming to foster closer ties between civil society organisations from both communities in Cyprus. The centre will encourage use of the buffer zone, allowing it to become a symbol of cooperation, not separation.
The driving force behind the project is the Cypriot Association for Historic Dialogue and Research (ADHR). The ADHR are now planning a new educational centre to be built in the UN-controlled buffer zone, giving the zone an entirely new function while fostering dialogue and reconciliation in Cyprus.
Strong support
Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway are supporting this groundbreaking project both politically and financially. Thanks to support from local authorities in both communities, the project is rooted at local level. The project is also supported by Cypriot authorities, the UN and the Council of Europe.
Educational centre
Several of the buildings in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia are of historical and architectonical value, but years of neglect and decay have taken a heavy toll on many of them. ADHR will buy one of these houses, and extensive renovation works will be carried out to create the educational centre.
The planned centre will host a museum and exhibition centre, archives, a research centre, an educational centre for children and teachers, as well as an office and meeting space for voluntary organisations. The aim is that the centre will be used by the Cypriot population from both communities, as well as by visitors to the island.
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