Northern Cyprus
Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to a population of 1.2 million people. The country is partitioned into two main parts; the southern Republic of Cyprus remains under the Cyprus government, associated with Greece and comprises 59% of the island, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus constitutes 36% of the island.
The north is recognized only by Turkey and the people living in Northern Cyprus are affected by the long-standing political disputes.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Northern Cyprus since 1993.
Villages in Northern Cyprus
Children are at risk
Children and young people under the age of 18 constitute around 19% of the Cypriot population, which is roughly 236,000 people. The political situation in Cyprus has a significant effect on the lives of the children living there; from barriers to obtaining citizenship to a lack of international funding for some projects, children may be deprived of their rights. Children living in poverty and those with disabilities need special support
1 in 5
Children are at risk of poverty
Child poverty
Almost 14% of Cypriots are at risk of poverty.
However, children are disproportionately vulnerable to poverty, with 19% of under 18s at risk. The risk of poverty is higher for households run by single parents (21%) or where parents are not employed (36%). Around 9% of children face severe material deprivation.
Children born into poverty are more likely to experience a wide range of health problems, as well as face social exclusion.
1 in 3
Young people are unemployed
Education
The unemployment rate in Cyprus is relatively high due to financial and political issues in the country, with a national rate of almost 9%.
Young people are disproportionately affected by unemployment, with a rate of almost 12%. Youth who are out of work have decreased well-being and greater social isolation. They also lack opportunities to gain and improve their skills. This limits their current and future employment prospects.
19%
Of arriving migrants are children
Children migrating
Cyprus receives thousands of migrants each year, and asylum seekers now represent 5% of the island nation’s population.
Overcrowded living conditions in refugee camps means minors often need to share a bed or sleep on the floor. Many children arriving in Cyprus are unaccompanied or separated from their families, surviving in miserable and unhygienic condition. Torn from their homes, many children have experienced violence and traumatic events.
Together we can make a difference for children in Northern Cyprus
105
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
120
Children and adults
Attend our kindergartens and trainings
55
Children
Grow up in our care
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35
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
