Letter Addressed to the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board Regarding the Exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from Commonwealth Torch Events in Cyprus
Dear Dr Rukare,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign regarding the decision to carry the Commonwealth Torch exclusively within the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus during its visit to the island between 20–23 May 2026, whilst completely excluding the Turkish Cypriot people.
We believe this decision is deeply regrettable and inconsistent with the values of equality, inclusiveness, and fairness that the Commonwealth seeks to uphold.
For decades, Turkish Cypriots have faced unjust isolation in international sport, culture, and diplomacy. Despite repeated calls for engagement and inclusion, Turkish Cypriot athletes and institutions continue to encounter barriers that prevent them from participating equally in the international sphere. Against this backdrop, the complete exclusion of Northern Cyprus from an event intended to symbolise unity, friendship, and shared Commonwealth values has caused significant disappointment amongst Turkish Cypriots both on the island and abroad.
Cyprus is not home to a single political or social reality. It is an island with two peoples, two administrations, and a long and complex history. Ignoring one side of the island entirely, particularly in the context of a symbolic international event, risks reinforcing division rather than encouraging understanding or inclusivity.
As an organisation committed to fairness, dialogue, and peaceful engagement, FFNC firmly believes that sport and symbolic international initiatives should serve as bridges between peoples rather than reflect longstanding political exclusions.
We therefore respectfully urge the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board to reflect on the concerns being raised by Turkish Cypriots and to consider how future Commonwealth initiatives involving Cyprus can better represent both peoples on the island in a fair and balanced manner.
The Turkish Cypriot people should not continue to be overlooked in international sporting and cultural platforms that claim to stand for equality and inclusiveness.
Yours sincerely,
Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC)