The Interior Ministry has defended its decision to remove parents’ names from the back of Cyprus identity cards following strong reactions from members of the public and political parties.
It said the change followed recommendations dating back to 2012 and was supported by a majority of parties during parliamentary discussions in 2020 and 2022. However, the ministry said it remains prepared to reconsider the decision if political positions have since changed.
Concerns first raised in 2012
According to the ministry, the issue was first raised by the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights in 2012.
The commissioner argued that displaying a dash next to the father’s name on the identity cards of children whose father was unknown, or children born to single women, could result in discrimination, marginalisation and stigmatisation.
The matter was subsequently discussed by the House Human Rights Committee during meetings held in 2020 and 2022.
The ministry said a majority of MPs and political parties supported removing parents’ details from identity cards during those discussions.
It specifically referred to the Democratic Rally, DISY, saying the party had supported the proposal at the time but had now changed its position and expressed opposition.
Parliament asked ministry to examine the change
During the parliamentary discussions, the House of Representatives encouraged the Interior Ministry to examine whether parents’ details could be removed.
The ministry said it was not possible to introduce the change in 2022 because of the terms of the contract then in force.
However, it committed to evaluating the proposal as part of the preparations for the new contract covering the issuance of identity cards and passports in 2025.
The ministry said the decision not to include parents’ names under the new contract was based on four factors:
- The position of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights.
- The views expressed by the majority of parliamentary parties and MPs.
- The policies followed in European Union member states, most of which do not display parents’ names on identity cards.
- European Regulation 2025/1208 and guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, under which parents’ names are not among the mandatory details required on identity cards.
Identity cards identify the holder
The ministry stressed that an identity card is intended to verify the identity of its holder and should therefore include the personal information required for that purpose.
Parents’ details are also not displayed on passports, it noted.
The ministry added that a birth certificate remains the main official document used to confirm a person’s parentage and the names of their parents.
Ministry leaves open possibility of review
Despite defending the process that led to the change, the Interior Ministry said it was available to discuss the matter if parliamentary parties had revised their positions.
It said it could then re-examine the decision and, where feasible, consider revising the terms of the contract governing the issuance of identity cards and passports.
