**Interior Ministry Defends Removal of Parents’ Names from New ID Cards**
The Interior Ministry of Cyprus has issued a statement defending its recent decision to exclude parents’ names from the newly designed biometric identity cards. This move has sparked a political debate, with the ministry asserting that the change aligns with recommendations from the children’s rights commissioner, the consensus of a majority of political parties, and established European practices and international standards.
The issue of displaying parents’ names on identity cards was first raised in 2012 by the commissioner for the protection of children’s rights. The commissioner argued that showing a dash instead of a father’s name for children of unknown paternity or those raised by single mothers could lead to discrimination and stigmatization. In response to these concerns, the Interior Ministry stated that discussions on the matter occurred during meetings of the House human rights committee in both 2020 and 2022. During these discussions, a majority of MPs and political parties, including the Democratic Rally (Disy), expressed support for the removal of parents’ names from identity cards.
The ministry noted that while parliament encouraged the examination of this proposal, the change could not be implemented in 2022 due to restrictions imposed by the existing contract for issuing identity cards and passports. Instead, the issue was revisited during the preparation of a new contract, which is set to take effect in 2025.
In its defense, the ministry highlighted that the decision is consistent with practices in most European Union member states, where parents’ names are not typically included on identity cards. It also referenced EU Regulation 2025/1208 and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, both of which do not mandate the inclusion of parents’ names on identity documents. The ministry emphasized that the primary purpose of an identity card is to identify its holder, and therefore, it should only contain essential personal information.
Furthermore, the ministry pointed out that parents’ names are also absent from Cypriot passports, and a birth certificate remains the official document for establishing a person’s parentage. This rationale aims to streamline the identification process and reduce potential stigma associated with parental status.
In light of the ongoing political discourse, the ministry indicated a willingness to revisit the issue. If parliamentary parties have altered their positions since the initial discussions, the ministry is open to engaging with stakeholders and potentially revising the terms of the current contract governing identity card issuance.
The statement from the ministry comes as political parties, particularly Disy and the National Popular Front (Elam), announce plans to introduce separate bills aimed at reversing the decision. Disy proposes a more flexible approach, allowing citizens to choose whether to include their parents’ names on their identity cards. In contrast, Elam advocates for the mandatory inclusion of both parents’ names.
As the debate continues, the Interior Ministry remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the importance of aligning with international standards and protecting the rights of children. The discussion around the new identity cards reflects broader societal concerns regarding identity, parentage, and the implications of such policies on individuals in varying family situations. As the implementation date approaches, the ministry's decision will likely remain a focal point of political dialogue in Cyprus.