New york: Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, represented the Republic of Cyprus at the UNGA80 3rd Committee in New York, highlighting violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Cypriots due to the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kakouris reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to promoting multilateralism for a peaceful and prosperous world. He raised the issue of human rights violations against Greek Cypriots resulting from the invasion and continued occupation by Turkey. He noted that many Greek Cypriots remain displaced, deprived of their right to return and peacefully enjoy their properties, and condemned the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties by the occupying regime.
Kakouris addressed the transfer of settlers from Turkey to Cyprus as a systematic plan to alter the island’s demographic character. He highlighted the decrease in the number of enclaved Greek Cypriots, attributing it to harassment, intimidation, and discriminatory treatment based on national origin, race, and religion by the occupying regime.
He also called attention to the humanitarian issue of missing persons, urging Turkey to provide information from military archives on their fate and grant access to military areas for excavations. On the matter of violence against women and girls, Kakouris noted ongoing discrimination and economic marginalization, while emphasizing Cyprus’ efforts to promote gender equality within the international framework.
Addressing trafficking in persons, Kakouris described it as a serious global problem and outlined Cyprus’ priorities in combating trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and enhancing international cooperation. He also affirmed Cyprus’ commitment to the rights of children and youth, supporting their participation in decision-making processes at all levels.
For the human rights of older persons, he highlighted Cyprus’ adoption of its first National Strategy and Action Plan for Active Ageing. Additionally, he stressed the importance of protecting cultural heritage, referencing the looting and vandalism in occupied Cyprus and the Nicosia Convention’s role in criminalizing offenses related to cultural property destruction.
In conclusion, Kakouris reiterated Cyprus’ readiness to cooperate with UN member states to strengthen multilateralism and ensure a just, peaceful, and prosperous world for future generations. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.