Mission & Objectives
KISA is a NGO, established in 1998, and its vision is the promotion of an all-inclusive, multicultural society, free of racism, xenophobia and discrimination and where, through the interaction and mutual respect of diverse cultures, there will be equality and respect for the rights of all, irrespective of race, nationality or ethnicity, colour, creed or beliefs, gender, sexual preference or orientation, age, inability or any other diversity.
KISA’s action is focused on the fields of Migration, Asylum, Racism, Discrimination and Trafficking, and it includes awareness-raising of the Cypriot society as well as lobbying in order to influence the legal and structural framework, the policies and practices in these fields. KISA operates a Migrant and Refugee Centre that provides free information, support, advocacy and mediation services to migrants, refugees, victims of trafficking and racism / discrimination and ethnic minorities in general, as well as promotion of the integration, empowerment and self-organisation of migrants and refugees. The combination of activities of social intervention and the operation of services as well as the strong ties with the migrant and refugee communities enable KISA to have a very accurate and updated picture about the realities in the areas of its mandate.
KISA´s long established expertise on migration, asylum, trafficking and anti-discrimination issues is also evident from its recognition as an organisation with credibility, professionalism and experience in implementing European programmes, such as EQUAL, ERF, EIF, PROGRESS, DAPHNE, Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme of DG for Justice, Freedom and Security, MIPEX, MRIP, as well as research projects implemented on behalf of and/or in cooperation with European agencies, NGOs and other organisations, such as the Fundamental Rights Agency (Separated Children), DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, SEN (Network of Socio-Economic Experts in the Non-Discrimination Field), MRG (Minority Rights Group), IOM (International Organization for Migration), the British Council, and others.
KISA cooperates with various other stakeholders and independent institutions related to its scope and objectives at national and European level such as the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudswoman), particularly the Body Against Discrimination and Racism, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, the European Committee Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe and the Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA).
KISA is also a very active member of European and international NGOs and networks such as the EIF (European Integration Forum), ENAR (European Network Against Racism), PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, EAPN (European Antipoverty Network), EMHRN (Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network), UNITED for Intercultural Action, Migreurope, FRA (Fundamental Rights Platform) and others.
