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Articles 1 and 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women. The Committee notes with interest that with the Equal Treatment of Men and Women in Employment and Vocational Training Act of 2002, Cyprus has adopted for the first time comprehensive legislation on equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women in employment and occupation. The Act prohibits both direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of sex, as well as on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, maternity or illness due to pregnancy or childbirth. Under section 14 of the Act every person who considers himself or herself affected by a violation of the Act may institute civil proceedings against an offender. Section 22 provides for the establishment of a Gender Equality Committee with promotional functions, but which is also mandated to accept and initiate complaints. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application and enforcement of the Act, including through the competent judicial and administrative bodies. Please also indicate the impact of these new legal provisions on the access of women and men to and terms and conditions of employment and various occupations.

The Committee is raising certain other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.