Children’s rights commissioner Despo Michaelidou, met with President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday to present her annual report, which outlines an increase in issues affecting children on the island.

“There are still major problems concerning education, children with disabilities, school facilities – mainly regarding exams and other issues – and the need for more chaperones, which must be addressed,” Michaelidou said.

Her report also included complaints her office received about the functioning of schools, including matters related to the acceptance of non-Cypriot students, disciplinary actions, expulsions, and exams.

According to the commissioner, the most vulnerable children are those from families experiencing financial instability, children of divorced parents, migrant children, and children without official documentation.

Michaelidou stressed that her office handles challenging cases, ensuring they are investigated by the relevant authorities once brought to their attention.

“We continue our programmes within our capabilities, despite the understaffing of the office,” she said, noting that her current team of nine officers is insufficient to meet the office’s responsibilities.

Asked whether she anticipated additional staff support from the president, Michaelidou said she believed the president was aware of the issues she had raised. However, she noted that the problem was also linked to “the pace at which the entire government mechanism is moving.”

She explained that officers are currently being seconded from the education ministry of education and the social welfare ministry, and she called on these departments to cooperate effectively until permanent staff are appointed.

Finally, Michaelidou noted that the delay in publishing the report was due to the pandemic at the time.