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Project Description

Purpose

Since 1974 (but beginning as early as 1963, when populations began shifting as a result of intercommunal violence), Turkish Cypriot cemeteries in the southern part of the island and Greek Cypriot cemeteries in the northern part have been neglected, damaged or, in some cases, even demolished. For Cypriots now returning to their homes for the first time in 30 years, emotions are running high. For many, it is devastating to find that the burial places of their loved ones are in ruins or have disappeared. For all, the poor state of the cemeteries reinforces the perception that the communities do not respect each other.

Leaders on both sides have indicated that they would appreciate the international community's assistance with this emotionally charged and difficult issue. The Cypress Tree Project Secretariat will facilitate work to protect and/or rehabilitate cemeteries. Success stories will be highly symbolic -- demonstrating that Cypriots are becoming more tolerant of each other -- a step towards appreciating the multicultural nature of their society.

Objectives


Developing an inventory of all known cemeteries, including the status of their current condition;

Engaging the public through an outreach campaign including the opening of a hotline and launching of a website;

Developing project documents/proposals for protecting and/or rehabilitating cemeteries that both the local and international communities can support; and,

Implementing cemetery rehabilitation projects on behalf of local and international donors.


http://mirror.undp.org/cyprus/cypresstr ... index.html
http://mirror.undp.org/cyprus/cypresstr ... age27.html