5.8 Raising political awareness among young people
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On this page
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Information providers / counselling structures
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Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values
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Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people
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Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication
Information providers / counselling structures
The main public authority responsible for disseminating information about democratic rights and democratic values for young people is the Youth Board of Cyprus. Specifically, young people can have access to information via the Youth Multicentres (Πολύκεντρα Νεολαίας) and the European Youth Portal of the European Commission which is powered by the European Youth Information Network Eurodesk.
The main public authority responsible for the participation in general, is the Office of the Commissioner of the Citizens. Its primary objective is to coordinate initiatives that enhance citizen participation in decision-making processes, promote active citizenship and participatory democracy, and implement policies and programs that foster a culture of civic engagement. Additionally, it aims to empower civil society and develop new mechanisms for collaboration between citizens and the government.
There is not a top-level framework for youth information and counselling structures in Cyprus besides the standards set by the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) and the European youth information network Eurodesk which is funded by the EU. These youth information and counselling services receive public financial support from the Republic of Cyprus. The Youth Board of Cyprus is a member of ERYICA since 1999. The Organisation also acts as multiplier of Eurodesk Cyprus.
Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values
There are no large-scale, youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and/or democratic values. However, as part of the preparations for the 2024 Elections of Local Government Authorities, School Board Members, and Members of the European Parliament, held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Press and Information Office, launched an information campaign to encourage new voter registration. The campaign primarily targeted young voters, aiming to enhance their participation in the democratic process.
Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people
The Youth Initiatives Project (see section 5.6 on Public Financial Support) dedicates a whole action for bi-communal activities which promote the dialogue between young people coming from the Turkish-Cypriot community and the Greek-Cypriot community.
Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication
There are no policy frameworks or guidelines on transparent public communication targeting young people in Cyprus.
There are no national or large-scale programmes or initiatives on providing training for policy-makers at various levels on suitable and youth-tailored communication.