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I welcome you today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the annual Stella Soulioti Human Rights Award ceremony.This year's ceremony coincides with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The signing of the Declaration is a milestone in the history of humanity. It laid the foundations for the human-centred order of international law, creating obligations for States to safeguard Human Rights. At the same time, it rekindled hope and inspired humanity to strive for respect for human dignity, which is at the core of the effective protection of human rights.
The anniversary is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. Despite significant progress since 1948, there is undoubtedly still a long way to go.
The international community remains fragile. Our region is on fire. Armed conflict is disrupting the peace. In addition, the new wave of challenges of our time is creating new realities. The consequences of climate change are constantly worsening and new technologies will test existing limits and the sincerity of intentions to further promote human rights in our societies.
It is time, and this year's anniversary of the Universal Declaration reminds us, for the international community to renew its commitment to universal human values and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Cyprus remains fully committed to these principles and values. It is in this context that Cyprus has decided to submit, for the first time, a candidature for election to the Human Rights Council for the period 2025 - 2027. It is also in this context that during President Christodoulides' participation in the High Level Event held two weeks ago in Geneva on the 75th anniversary, the President presented our national human rights commitments. The aim of our commitments is to take initiatives on a number of policies, such as children's rights, people with disabilities, the elimination of gender-based violence and discrimination.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Stella Soulioti Human Rights Award was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2021, in order to highlight the efforts and work done and at the same time to encourage those who fight for the protection of human rights in Cyprus.
The Stella Soulioti Human Rights Award was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2021, in order to highlight the efforts and work done and at the same time to encourage those who fight for the protection of human rights in Cyprus.
The Award Evaluation Committee consists of the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights and the speaker, as well as two ad hoc members. In particular, this year, by Ms Androulla Christofidou of "Cyprus Stop Trafficking" (as last year's winner), who is currently represented by Mr Nelson Neocleous, and Ms Titina Loizidou, whose contribution is invaluable. The Evaluation Committee decided to highlight for 2023 the aspect of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Cyprus recognises the need to create conditions for everyone to benefit from the opportunities and possibilities they are entitled to and deserve. On the basis of this principle, Cyprus ratified the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol in 2011. Since then, it has been implementing ten-year strategies through three-year National Action Plans, under the coordination of the relevant Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
I have the great honour to announce that the Evaluation Committee has decided to award the "Stella Soulioti" Human Rights Award for the year 2023 to the Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation.
The Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation was founded in 1980 by people with paraplegia and quadriplegia.
The Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation was founded in 1980 by people with paraplegia and quadriplegia. Its mission is, among other things, to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries, to protect their human rights and to ensure their social integration. During its 43 years of service, the Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation has significantly expanded its activity to assist and support people with reduced mobility. Through its social interventions, the Organisation has achieved institutional and permanent changes in favour of the integration of people in society, such as facilitating accessibility to buildings and the labour market. On the contrary, the progress achieved is not enough and even more effort is needed from all of us, especially from the State. Dimitris Lamprianides, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organization, to receive the award.
Thank you.
(MF/MS/NZ)
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