Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Law academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Can Azer delivered an important presentation at the International Child Prevention Conference held this year at Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, by the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN).
With his presentation titled “Child Protection in De Facto States: Challenges and Lessons from Northern Cyprus”, Assist. Prof. Dr. Azer discussed the structural issues faced by children who live in internationally unrecognized countries or de facto states. The presentation focused on the current state of the child protection system in Northern Cyprus, the impact of international isolation, and the potential for rights-based reforms.
“Children in De Facto States Are Excluded from the System”
In his speech, Assist. Prof. Dr. Azer underscored that, through the example of Northern Cyprus, children in unrecognized countries are excluded from the international protection mechanisms and said; “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ensures that every child, regardless of location or background, is entitled to fundamental rights. Nevertheless, children residing in de facto states are excluded from these systems, effectively rendering them invisible and marginalized”.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Azer’s study drew attention to a range of critical issues, including legal gaps, outdated regulations, absence of juvenile courts, insufficient professional personnel, and weaknesses in the psychosocial support infrastructure. The research also highlighted barriers that refugee and migrant children face in accessing their right to education, deficiencies in protecting children in digital environments, and the inadequacy of services provided for children with special needs.
“No Children Should be Rendered Invisible Due to the Place of Their Birth”
In his presentation, Assist. Prof. Dr. Azer stated that children’s rights can be protected independently of issues related to recognition. He put forward reform proposals including aligning the definition of a child with international standards, raising the age of criminal responsibility, prohibiting corporal punishment, establishing child-friendly courts, and strengthening the capacity of field experts. Assist. Prof. Dr. Azer concluded his presentation by emphasizing: “The universality of children’s rights goes beyond discussions of political recognition. Children are rights-holders, not diplomatic entities. No child should be rendered invisible due to the place of their birth”.
About ISPCAN Conference
The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) encourages the exchange of scientific knowledge and experiences in addressing child abuse, neglect, and rights violations through its annual conferences held in different countries. The 2025 Vilnius Conference, themed “Child Protection in Complex Political Contexts,” focused on the challenges faced by children in conflict zones, migration contexts, and unrecognized states.
At this esteemed international forum, EMU Faculty of Law academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Can Azer delivered a presentation that significantly contributed to bringing international visibility to child rights issues in Northern Cyprus.