The procedures for filing disciplinary complaints of sexual harassment in the Cyprus Public Service are “maze-like” and “discouraging,” MPs said on Monday during the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee. Officials revealed that only ten complaints were submitted to the Labour Department in the last three years.

The issue was discussed following a proposal by independent MP Alexandra Attalidou, who referred to recent media reports of a criminal prosecution in a case where the Ministry of Education had previously responded that the Legal Service had ruled out disciplinary action.

Representing the Government, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Yiannis Panayiotou stressed the importance of building trust in institutional procedures concerning sexual harassment. “By strengthening the framework, we encourage victims to come forward. If the system does not work effectively, we fail in our goal, and complaints cannot act as a deterrent,” he said.

Panayiotou highlighted that in public administration, effective good practices are already being applied, which should also be extended to the broader labour market. “Significant steps have been taken, but more consistent efforts are needed,” he noted.

Following the meeting, he added that cooperation between the executive and legislative powers makes it possible to achieve labour market goals that meet the highest standards.

When asked if he agreed that current procedures are “maze-like and discouraging,” he replied that a framework has been developed over time to allow quick and easy reporting, while also aiming to improve the working environment to prevent such incidents. He underlined that the simplest route remains filing a complaint directly with the police.

Labour Department Director and Chief Inspector Alexandros Alexandrou revealed that only ten complaints were filed in the past three years: four in 2022, one in 2023, and five in 2024. All were investigated.

When questioned about the low number of complaints, Panayiotou explained that there are multiple reporting channels beyond the Labour Department, including the Ombudsperson, the Gender Equality Committee in Employment and Vocational Training, as well as company-level mechanisms in the private sector.

However, he acknowledged that the number of complaints will always be lower than the actual incidents. “Our goal is to provide all necessary tools for victims of any form of harassment to file a complaint,” he added.

MPs Giorgos Koukoumas, Rita Superman, and Alexandra Attalidou argued that all complaints should be centralized under the Labour Department rather than scattered across ministries and agencies.

Panayiotou responded that better coordination is always beneficial. “The effective work of Labour Department inspectors is useful, especially in these complex issues. It helps build the institutional trust needed to function better,” he said.

He added that while valuable opinions were expressed during the session, it would be premature to announce decisions on procedural reforms.

Panayiotou also noted that Cyprus’ employment rate surpassed 80% in the past two years, a target originally set for 2030. Women’s participation in the labour market has risen to about 75%, compared to 65% two decades ago.

“For sustainable growth, workplaces must ensure dignity, mutual respect, and a safe environment where no one feels fear or insecurity,” he emphasized.

Eleni Kouzoupi, President of the Gender Equality Committee in Employment and Vocational Training, added that the goal is zero tolerance for harassment, but fear and deterrents still prevent victims from reporting. She stressed that the committee offers complaint mechanisms and legal aid regardless of income, highlighting the importance of multiple reporting options beyond the police.