Nicosia: Cyprus Special Envoy for Multilateralism Ambassador Andreas Kakouris reaffirmed Cyprus’ ‘unwavering commitment’ to combating human trafficking during his address at the High-Level Meeting on the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
According to Cyprus News Agency, marking the 15th anniversary of the Plan of Action, Kakouris highlighted the honor for Cyprus, alongside Tajikistan, to co-facilitate the process leading to the 2025 Political Declaration. This declaration reiterates a collective commitment to combat trafficking in all its forms.
Kakouris emphasized that Cyprus views trafficking as ‘a grave violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to shared values.’ He described it as ‘a heinous crime transcending borders’ and expressed serious alarm over statistics from the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024.
Drawing from national experience, the ambassador highlighted Cyprus’ shift toward a comprehensive and victim-centered approach. He underscored legislative reforms that criminalize all forms of trafficking in persons and strengthen protection frameworks. He pointed to a specific amendment criminalizing the creation of child sexual abuse material through artificial intelligence, introduced due to the weaponization of technology for exploitation.
He also discussed Cyprus’ 2023-2026 strategy on human trafficking, which includes a National Action Plan with 38 actions, consistently evaluated by the Multidisciplinary Coordinating Group.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Kakouris urged that ‘human dignity is non-negotiable’ and called on states to protect victims, prosecute perpetrators, and strengthen partnerships across governments, the UN system, civil society, and the private sector. Cyprus, he affirmed, is ready to continue actively contributing to global efforts against trafficking.