# Embargoed!

> Embargoed! is a UK human rights group, founded in September 2004 and run entirely by volunteers, that campaigns for an immediate and unconditional end to the international embargoes and isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots and North Cyprus since 4 March 1964 (UN Security Council Resolution 186). It is independent of all political parties, does not advocate any particular political settlement for Cyprus, and is a non-profit company limited by guarantee (UK company no. 05433072).

Campaigning for Turkish Cypriots, Embargoed since 1964. Contact: info@embargoed.org. Full text of the key pages: https://www.embargoed.org/llms-full.txt

## Key facts

- Turkish Cypriots have lived under international embargoes since 4 March 1964, when UN Security Council Resolution 186 accepted the Greek Cypriot administration as the government of Cyprus. (source: [UN Resolution 186, 4 March 1964](https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/112185))
- The Republic of Cyprus was founded in 1960 as a bi-communal partnership state of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, who were to govern the island jointly as political equals. (source: [1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1960_Cyprus_Republic_Constitution.pdf))
- In the UN Annan Plan referenda of 24 April 2004, 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted Yes while 76% of Greek Cypriots rejected the plan; the promised end to Turkish Cypriot isolation never came. (source: [Annan Plan, 31 March 2004](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Annan_Plan_31Mar04.pdf))
- Embargoed! is a UK human rights group formed in September 2004 and publicly launched in London and Nicosia on 4 March 2005 (UK company no. 05433072). (source: [Who we are](https://www.embargoed.org/about/))
- Embargoed! has no paid staff, is independent of all political parties and does not advocate any particular political settlement for Cyprus. (source: [FAQ](https://www.embargoed.org/about/#faq))

## About Embargoed!

- [Who we are](https://www.embargoed.org/about/): mission, history, committee, core values and FAQ
- [Patrons](https://www.embargoed.org/patrons/): Hussein Chalayan MBE (Patron) and Danis Salman (Patron of Football)
- [Who we work with](https://www.embargoed.org/who-we-work-with/): partner organisations
  - Council of Turkish Cypriots Association (CTCA UK): The umbrella organisation representing the Turkish Cypriot community across the UK. Led by Kenan Nafi.
  - Turkish Cypriot Security Council (TCSC): High-level security solutions, founded in 2023 by Arif Kokkoz.
  - British Turkish Cypriots Association (BTCA): Representing and supporting Turkish Cypriots in the UK, led by Kenan Yaman.
  - The Young Turkish Cypriots (Y.T.C): Educating people about the history of Cyprus and connecting young Turkish Cypriots worldwide.
  - Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (freedom-and-fairness.org): A UK-based campaign advocating for the recognition of the TRNC.

## The Cyprus problem and the embargoes

- [Learn more](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/): history of Cyprus since 1571, the 1960 Republic, Bloody Christmas 1963, UN Resolution 186, the Annan Plan, direct trade, life under embargoes and the property issue
  - [Cyprus conflict](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/#cyprus-conflict)
  - [Direct trade](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/#direct-trade)
  - [Life under embargoes](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/#life-under-embargoes)
  - [Impact of embargoes](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/#impact-of-embargoes)
  - [Property issue](https://www.embargoed.org/learn-more/#property-issue)

## Resources (documents, rulings, media)

- [Resource centre](https://www.embargoed.org/resources/): over 100 documents in 13 categories
  - **Embargoed!** (4): [Embargoed! - Constitution 12 May 2024](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Embargoed-Constitution-12-May-2024.pdf); [Embargoed! Evidence to the UK Foreign Affairs Committee, December 2004](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FAC_Report.pdf); [World Promises Report April 2005](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WorldPromisesReport.pdf); [Embargoed! 2009-2010 Annual Report](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Embargoed_2009-10_Annual_Report.pdf)
  - **History (Further Reading)** (36): [Cyprus: A Turkish Cypriot Perspective - T.](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cyprus-A-Turkish-Cypriot-Perspective-11.08.25.pdf); [The Crux of the Cyprus Problem - Rauf Raif Denktas](https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/perception/issue/49029/625487); [Cyprus: Unity & Difference - Rauf Raif Denktash & Michael Moran](https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/103742/Cyprus-Unity-and-Difference.pdf); [A Turkish Cypriot Perspective: Rauf Raif Denktash & Nancy Crawshaw on Cyprus](https://ciaotest.cc.columbia.edu/olj/tjir/v4n3/tjir_v4n3_d_walker.pdf)
  - **EU and Cyprus** (9): [Protocol 10 Cyprus access to the EU, 23 September 2003](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Protocol_10_extract.pdf); [Greek Cypriot Application for EU Membership - Haluk Kabaalioglu](https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/perception/issue/49029/625491); [Letter from Raif Raif Denktash to UK Foreign Minister Robin Cook (re Cyprus EU application)](https://www.cvce.eu/content/publication/2005/6/15/28fcb8ed-f59a-4427-ad81-3b26a4e2765f/publishable_en.pdf); [EU Cyprus Accession Treaty, 2004](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Cyprus_Accession_to_EU_April_2004.pdf)
  - **Podcasts & Webinars** (7): [Talking Round North Cyprus](https://open.spotify.com/show/2beyRhNFFosZpnSH0YNfQ5?si=0837b56c41a544a5); [Talking Round North Cyprus - The T-Vine Embargoed! One (with Ipek Özerim)](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MWjLIa2IwzppGhyas0cQ2?si=20d920bbadcc4c79); [Cyprus Webinar - The Future of Cyprus; Two States? Federalism?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ygTDgcaUk); [Cyprus Webinar - The Future of Cyprus; Two States? Federalism?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T77euu-UJGQ)
  - **Documentaries & Shorts** (8): [Turkish Cypriots - Embargoed since 1964](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWRZa7QGlMo&t=9s); [Embargoed! YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@embargoed1964); [Turkish Cypriots' Struggle for Survival](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4wOmgTGnC8&t=20s); [The Forefront: Cyprus I Episode 1 The Seeds of Hatred (TRT)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHIi7tKs7Ss&t=13s)
  - **Legal Rulings** (13): [The Demopoulos Ruling - ECHR, 05 March 2010](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DEMOPOULOS_AND_OTHERS_v_TURKEY.pdf); [Orams ECJ Ruling, 28 April 2009](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ECJ_Orams_Judgment_28_Apr09.pdf); [Orams UK High Court Ruling, 06 September 2006](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Orams_UK_High_Court_Judgment_06Sep06.pdf); [Judgement of the ECHR - Loizidou: A Critical Examination - Zaim Necatigil](https://www.indexacademicdocs.org/paper/1920/49029/625486)
  - **Human Rights** (2): [UN Declaration of Human Rights, 10 December 1948](http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml); [EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, December 2000](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/EU_Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights_Dec2000.pdf)
  - **Keynote Speeches** (1): [Lord Maginnis, House of Lords, 05 July 2005](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lord_Maginnis_Drumglass_Cyprus_Speech_05Jul05.pdf)
  - **Sporting Embargoes** (4): [Turkish Cypriot Footballers say](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Turkish-Cypriot-Footballers-say.pdf); [Turkish Cypriot Footballers say...](https://archive.cyprus-mail.com/2005/12/09/naked-footballers-say-balls-to-the-embargo/); [Outcasts: The Lands That FIFA Forgot](https://www.playthegame.org/news/outcasts-the-lands-that-fifa-forgot/); [West Ham's Turkish (Cypriot) Delight; Yilmaz Orhan](https://whufc.com/en/news/yilmaz-orhan-west-ham-uniteds-cypriot-starlet-turned-stateside-star)
  - **Property Issue** (12): [Embargoed! Property Factsheet](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Embargoed_Property_Factsheet-1_21Sep10.pdf); [North Cyprus embargoes and the Law - Preliminary Findings (Property & Trade)](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/North-Cyprus-embargoes-and-the-Law-preliminary-report-final.pdf); [Cyprus Land Ownership - 1974](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cyprus-Land-Ownership-1974.pdf); [Orams Case Factsheet](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Orams-Property_Factsheet_11Nov09.pdf)
  - **Republic of Cyprus** (4): [1959 London and Zurich Agreements including Treaty of Guarantee and Alliance](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1959_London_and_Zurich_-Agreements.pdf); [1959 Treaty of Establishment of Cyprus Republic](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1959_Treaty_of_Establishment_of_Cyprus_Republic.pdf); [Republic of Cyprus 1960 Constitution](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1960_Cyprus_Republic_Constitution.pdf); [TRNC Constitution](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/TRNC_Constitution.pdf)
  - **UN on Cyprus** (2): [UN Resolution 186](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1959_Treaty_of_Establishment_of_Cyprus_Republic.pdf); [Annan Plan 2004 (2.24MB)](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Annan_Plan_31Mar04.pdf)
  - **Templates** (1): [Commonwealth Games Campaign Letter](https://www.embargoed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Glasgow-Commonwealth-Games-letter.docx)

## News

- [All news](https://www.embargoed.org/news/): statements and campaign news since 2013 (English and Turkish)
- [Nigel Farage’s Hypocrisy and Anti-Turkish Rhetoric (2 Apr 2025)](https://www.embargoed.org/nigel-farages-hypocrisy-and-anti-turkish-rhetoric/): Embargoed! calls out Nigel Farage and Reform UK for smearing Turkish barbers at their immigration launch – casual racism against a community.
- [Who Speaks for Turkish Cypriots in the UK? Not Them. (15 Mar 2025)](https://www.embargoed.org/who-speaks-for-turkish-cypriots-in-the-uk-not-them/): Embargoed! responds to the NFCUK, CTP UK and TCAD statement: they do not speak for the majority of Turkish Cypriots in the United Kingdom.
- [Turkish Cypriots Hold Annual Vigil to Remember Victims of Bloody Christmas 1963 (24 Dec 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/turkish-cypriots-hold-annual-vigil-to-remember-victims-of-bloody-christmas-1963/): Turkish Cypriots gather outside the Greek Cypriot High Commission in London to remember the victims of Bloody Christmas, 61 years on.
- [Turkish Cypriot Swimmer Boran Bora Shines on the World Stage Amidst Political Injustice (16 Dec 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/turkish-cypriot-swimmer-boran-bora-shines-on-the-world-stage-amidst-political-injustice/): Open-water swimmer Boran Bora makes history for North Cyprus, yet TRNC athletes are still denied the right to represent their country.
- [Keir Starmer’s Cyprus Visit: A Missed Opportunity for Impartiality and Justice (15 Dec 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/keir-starmers-cyprus-visit-a-missed-opportunity-for-impartiality-and-justice/): The UK Prime Minister met only the Greek Cypriot leader in Cyprus. Embargoed! on what this means for Britain's role as a guarantor power.
- [Bloody Christmas 1963: The Tragedy, The Truth, and the Call for Justice (15 Dec 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/bloody-christmas-1963-the-tragedy-the-truth-and-the-call-for-justice/): What happened to Turkish Cypriots in the Bloody Christmas massacre of December 1963, why it matters today, and the call for justice.
- [Stand up – or sit down – for your rights (2 Aug 2022)](https://www.embargoed.org/stand-and-sit-for-your-rights/): After Waltham Forest Council banned the TRNC flag and apologised twice, Turkish Cypriots hold a peaceful sit-in vigil for equal rights.
- [British Turkish Cypriots to Protest Over Waltham Forest’s Discriminatory Flag Policy & Racist Comments, Thursday 9 December 2021 (2 Dec 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/british-turkish-cypriots-to-protest-over-waltham-forests-discriminatory-flag-policy-racist-comments-thursday-9-december-2021/): British Turkish Cypriots protest outside Waltham Forest Town Hall on 9 December 2021 over the removal of the TRNC flag and offensive comments.
- [Aşırı sağcılığın kurbanları ve etnik temizlikten kurtulanlar daha iyisini hak ediyor.  Kıbrıslı Türklere verilen cezaya son verme zamanı gelmiştir (12 Nov 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/asiri-sagciligin-kurbanlari-ve-etnik-temizlikten-kurtulanlar-daha-iyisini-hak-ediyor-kibrisli-turklere-verilen-cezaya-son-verme-zamani-gelmistir/): Eski RAF Komutanı Sir Michael Graydon ve Embargoed! başkanı Fahri Zihni, Kıbrıslı Türklere uygulanan izolasyonun neden bitmesi gerektiğini tartıştı.
- [The victims of right-wing extremism and survivors of ethnic cleansing deserve better.  Time to end the punishment of Turkish Cypriots (12 Nov 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/the-victims-of-right-wing-extremism-and-survivors-of-ethnic-cleansing-deserve-better-time-to-end-the-punishment-of-turkish-cypriots/): Former RAF chief Sir Michael Graydon and Embargoed! chair Fahri Zihni discuss why it is time to end the punishment of Turkish Cypriots.
- [Cypriot greed and the curse of Goddess Hail-Umi (23 May 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/cypriot-greed-and-the-curse-of-goddess-hail-umi/): A satirical fable from the Cyprus Mail on halloumi, the 'cheese of white gold', the EU PDO and how greed shut Turkish Cypriots out of trade.
- [What the hellim PDO means for Turkish Cypriots. Turkish Cypriots know only too well the fate of their hellim/halloumi. They fear it will join a long list of other products the Greek Cypriot government gets to reject (6 Feb 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/what-the-hellim-pdo-means-for-turkish-cypriots-turkish-cypriots-know-only-too-well-the-fate-of-their-hellim-halloumi-they-fear-it-will-join-a-long-list-of-other-products-the-greek-cypriot-government/): Turkish Cypriots fear the EU hellim/halloumi PDO will join a long list of products the Greek Cypriot government rejects. What it means for trade.
- [Hellimin coğrafi tescili, Kıbrıslı türklere ne ifade ediyor? Hellim, Kibris Rum hükümetinin reddedeceği diğer ürünlerin uzun listesine mi katılacak? (6 Feb 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/hellimin-cografi-tescili-kibrisli-turklere-ne-ifade-ediyor-hellim-kibris-rum-hukumetinin-reddedecegi-diger-urunlerin-uzun-listesine-mi-katilacak/): Hellimin AB coğrafi tescili (PDO) Kıbrıslı Türk üreticiler için ne anlama geliyor? Rum hükümetinin reddettiği ürünler listesine mi katılacak?
- [Caught between obstructive Cyprus government and dismissive European court (24 Jan 2021)](https://www.embargoed.org/esat-mustafas-fight-for-his-property-in-south-cyprus/): Esat Mustafa, forced from Vroisha in 1964, on his long fight for his property against an obstructive Cyprus government and a dismissive ECHR.
- [Embargoed! AGM January 2020 (10 Jan 2020)](https://www.embargoed.org/embargoed-agm-january-2020/): Embargoed! holds a successful Annual General Meeting in January 2020, electing Fahri Zihni, James Clements and Muhsin Mustafa as officers.

## Events

- [Events](https://www.embargoed.org/events/): vigils, protests, festivals and briefings
- [Remember the ‘Bloody Christmas’ of 1963 (21 Dec 2025)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/remember-bloody-christmas-2025/): 13 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LB
- [Anti-Turkish Counter Protest (20 Jul 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/anti-turkish-counter-protest/): Embassy of Turkey in London, 43 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PA
- [Protest: 50 Years Since Greece’s Invasion of Cyprus (14 Jul 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/protest-50-years-since-greeces-invasion-of-cyprus/): Greek Embassy, 1A Holland Park, London, W11 3TP
- [Chalk Walk Through Holland Park (14 Jul 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/chalk-walk-through-holland-park/): Holland Park, Entrance to Holland Park near the Greek Embassy, London, W11 3TA
- [Join Embargoed! at CTCA UK’s 7th Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival on Sunday (30 Jun 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/join-embargoed-at-ctca-uks-7th-turkish-cypriot-cultural-festival-on-sunday/): Donkey Lane, Enfield, EN1 3PL
- [March for Sovereignty: UN Out of Cyprus (4 Mar 2024)](https://www.embargoed.org/event/march-for-sovereignty-un-out-of-cyprus/): London

## Support

- [Support us](https://www.embargoed.org/support-us/): become a member (£10.00 a year) or donate via PayPal; volunteering
- [Stay informed](https://www.embargoed.org/stay-informed/): newsletter sign-up
- [Contact](https://www.embargoed.org/contact-us/): info@embargoed.org

## FAQ

- **When was Embargoed! launched and why?** The group was formed in September 2004 and launched on 4 March 2005. Our launch date coincided with the 41st anniversary of the formal start of the embargoes against Turkish Cypriots on 4 March 1964 when UN Resolution 186 was…
- **Why did you call yourselves Embargoed!?** The group felt it needed a short name that explained what our cause was about or at least to make people curious about who we were.
- **What is the purpose/campaign mission of Embargoed!?** We are a human rights group that is campaigning for the immediate and unconditional end to all embargoes against Turkish Cypriots and North Cyprus.
- **Is Embargoed! tied to any political party or organisation?** No, we are independent of all political parties and groups.
- **How do you fund your campaign?** Through annual membership subscriptions, fundraising and donations.
- **Are you funded by any political party or organisation?** No – see response to above question. Embargoed! would refuse any donations that would compromise its independence and/or the group’s integrity.
- **Which groups do you work with?** Embargoed! is open to working with all groups and organisations that share its peaceful aims to end the embargoes against North Cyprus and whose actions and/or political stance would not compromise Embargoed!’s independence, integrity and values. To date, we have…
- **Why are you focussing on human rights and not on a political settlement?** Embargoed! believes that an embargo-free life is the fundamental right of every human being regardless of their political stance. It is outrageous that while Greek Cypriots enjoy their basic human rights and freedoms, Turkish Cypriots and others living and working…
- **Do you advocate a political solution in Cyprus?** No, we do not advocate any political settlement for Cyprus. Our diverse membership have different views on their preferred solutions, some would like to see a united Cyprus without any borders, others support a bi-zonal bi-federal settlement, while others still…
- **How large is your support base?** We enjoy widespread support among Turkish Cypriots and many others in North Cyprus, the UK and beyond. Our subscribing membership runs into hundreds, while thousands more have signed up to our online petition and social networking groups.
- **Who are your members?** Membership of Embargoed! is open to everyone that shares our campaign aims and ethics, and abides by our Constitution and Code of Conduct. Our group is multi-ethnic, with members of all ages and from a wide spectrum of social and…
- **Do I have to be a member or pay a donation to sign the Charter petition?** No. Although membership subscriptions and donations are vital in funding our campaign, you do not need to pay a membership subscription fee to support our campaign activities or to receive our electronic newsletter. These are open to all sympathisers.
- **How are the Executive Committee for Embargoed! chosen?** Officers of the Executive Committee are drawn from our membership. We hold elections each year and those interested in standing for a position are invited to put their nominations forward, which must be seconded by two other Embargoed! members. We…
- **What do you do with the money you collect from membership subscriptions, fundraising and donations?** Embargoed! is driven by volunteers, but increasingly we see the scope of this campaign needs to have dedicated and specialist resources, particularly as our targets include international Governments and agencies. From graphic design to public relations, professional support costs money,…
- **Why do you believe Embargoed! can make a difference, when the TRNC and Turkish politicians have not been able to succeed in this?** Because the targets set are achievable and people power is key to this. The denial of basic human rights for Turkish Cypriots cannot continue to be defended in today’s political climate. The UN, US, EU and UK have already voiced…
- **How long will you carry on for?** As long as it takes and as long as we have active support from the people.
- **What happens if Embargoed! succeeds and the embargoes are lifted?** We will close Embargoed! and go and find ourselves a new mission!
- **Do you restrict flags or banners at your demonstrations?** Embargoed! is happy for people to bring flags and banners to its demonstrations. However, as a human rights campaign that is open to people from all ethnic and national backgrounds, it is important that our actions are as inclusive as…

## Optional

- [Privacy Policy](https://www.embargoed.org/privacy-policy/)
- [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embargoed_(organization))
- [Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5369479)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/9764319739)
- [X](https://x.com/Embargoed)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/embargoed_human_rights/)
- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/embargoed1964.bsky.social)