Nicosia: In a joint statement delivered on behalf of Cyprus and Tajikistan, Cyprus’ Permanent Representative Ambassador Maria Michail expressed strong support for the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, praising her report and presentation and reaffirming ‘our full support to your mandate.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, the statement condemned trafficking as ‘a heinous crime and a serious global issue,’ stressing that it ‘transcends borders’ and constitutes ‘a grave violation of human rights offending human dignity.’
Highlighting recent UNODC data, the statement underlined the alarming rise in child victims, noting that children now represent ‘38% of all detected victims of trafficking worldwide,’ with a ‘31% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels’ and an especially sharp ‘38% rise among girls alone.’
The two delegations welcomed the report’s focus on child trafficking in conflict situations, agreeing that its ‘widespread and systematic nature. demands urgent attention by States, the United Nations, and international organizations.’
Recalling key milestones – the 15th anniversary of the Global Plan of Action and the 25th anniversary of the UN Trafficking Protocol – the statement looked ahead to the November High-Level Meeting and emphasized that its Political Declaration will focus on ‘child trafficking as one of the enduring trafficking issues.’ It also underscored the honor of Cyprus and Tajikistan in serving as ‘co-facilitators’ for the consultations and negotiating the Political Declaration during the term of Philemon Yang.