Whose Peace?

The youth of Cyprus has been growing up in the shadow of conflict and nationalism. The hatred between the two communities has been implemented on us since our childhood in many different ways, through education, the media, politics and public opinion.

Whether Turkish or Greek Cypriot, our lives have been similar, we have been taught not to trust each other so much and not to be so close. Throughout all these years, we were forced to believe what our leaders said on the peace negotiations. The negotiations were never transparent enough and only little information was shared with both communities. With the presidential elections now in Cyprus, we can have a new era in the peace negotiation process. Both leaders have stated how much they will work for a “good” solution in Cyprus and how ready they are to make a new plan. Until now, except from the letters which were about giving confirmation on attending the negotiations, no significant step has been made towards the instigation of a new round of negotiations. With the emergence of the economic crisis, the Cyprus problem is not seen as the primary issue for the politicians in Cyprus.  Despite their promises during political campaigns, that the Cyprus problem is their primary concern, they do not seem to promote a solution. A solution is necessary for the country, but most importantly for the youths of both communities as any decisions taken today, will affect our future prospects. The uncertainty of the country causes the youth to be afraid of the future. Nationalism is rising, as it is promoted through the media and the education system which has great influence, especially over young people.

Peace cannot be seen as a secondary matter anymore; both communities deserve to live in a better country.  As much as the delay in the negotiations, the progress itself is also problematic. All these past years both communities were governed by elderly, male group of people. However, peace requires more than that; peace is for all and all parts of the society should have the right to contribute and help to shape the peace for their country. Especially the exclusion of women was criticised in many conflict areas and this resulted in the enactment of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The resolution has not been efficiently used in practice until now in Cyprus but it is expected to be useful for women to make their concerns be heard in the negotiation process. The United Nations has not passed any Security Council Resolution for the youth yet. However, as much as women can have different concerns and expectations from the solution, the youth has its own ideas too. Democracy requires all parts of the society to be able to contribute in the decision making processes and express their views. A young person can have different worries on future or may have different priorities from the dominating elderly men group. The youth has its own voice and a democratic process requires it to be heard. The leaders should be aware of their responsibilities for our future and make us to raise our voice as well. Peace is for everyone in Cyprus, so let us to make it ours too.