In examining the historical setting for progress in women's rights in Cyprus, the report notes that for the last 20 years, Cyprus has been in political upheaval. Because of the Turkish occupation of 37 percent of its land and the limited financial and human resources, as well as the limited amount of capital available for new projects, national resources have been channeled toward survival of the state and its people. Cypriot legislation is now in line with relevant international instruments and is steadily being harmonized with European legislation, especially regarding family law and labor relations. During the last decade, public awareness of the specific problems of women has been increasing. The establishment in 1988 of the National Machinery for Women's Rights and the subsequent activities of this body have facilitated the active participation of women's organizations in the formulation and monitoring of policies on women's issues. It has contributed substantially to law reforms and to women's participation in political and public life. The time is now right to proceed toward the formation of an Equal Opportunities Commission, and an effort is underway to achieve this. Information is provided on the employment of women in criminal justice occupations and on violence against women. 33 tables and appended supplementary information and data