The inaction of the state machinery on critical mental health issues, discussed in the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights for seven consecutive years without any substantial progress, was recently criticized by the representative of the Cyprus Psychological Association (CYPSA). The criticism came during the committee's discussion on the topic, "The Problems Faced by Children Victims of Parental Alienation and State-Imposed Procedures for Their Protection."

The CYPSA highlighted that state services (Welfare Services, Police, Courts) systematically overlook the powers already granted to them by law, often misinterpreting their roles and responsibilities. "There is confusion, for example, about whether an order is enforceable or if family counselors, under the domestic violence law, have the authority to refer children to appropriate therapies," stated the CYPSA in a recent announcement.

The CYPSA noted that repeated interventions in the Committee have emphasized the severe psychological harm suffered by children and the alienated parent. "The current system not only fails to protect victims but fosters identification with the aggressor, infringing upon citizens' fundamental rights," the CYPSA representative said clearly. The recent reference to a condemning decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) underscores the deep issue of institutional violence affecting the Cypriot state, they added.

The statement also pointed out that the inability of the relevant authorities to heed mental health experts constitutes a violation of the rights of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

"The CYPSA demands immediate and substantial changes to safeguard human rights, as presented to the committee in 2017 on a similar topic. Any further delay amounts to complicity in institutional violence and blatant disregard for ECHR decisions, which the Republic of Cyprus is obliged to comply with," the announcement concluded.