-
.
- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I welcome today's conference, which is organized for the fifth year by the Police, to commemorate the adoption of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The recognition that every human being, without distinction of any kind, has rights which are non-negotiable and inalienable is one of the greatest achievements of human society. Human rights are the foundation of the rule of law and from human rights derive the democratic values of every favoured state, whose primary obligation is to respect and protect the dignity of the human person.
The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 10 December 1948 constitutes the enduring commitment to the respect and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, without exception.
World Human Rights Day has a dual character as, on the one hand, it is a day of celebration of the most important universal acquis, that of universal human rights and values and, on the other hand, it is a day of reflection for all citizens to be vigilant and protect these values.
75 years later, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms has not developed to the extent that could ensure its universal and effective implementation, as the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed and aspired to in 1948.
Admittedly, despite the undeniable progress that has been achieved through resolutions and decisions of international and European organisations and national legislation, the challenges facing humanity today demonstrate that the situation prevailing worldwide is far from ideal and ideal.
It is therefore imperative that the collective struggle for the respect and protection of human rights through policies and legislation that ensure dignity, justice and the participation of all citizens in social life on an equal basis.
In Cyprus, human rights and freedoms are primarily protected by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the state.
In Cyprus, human rights and freedoms are primarily protected by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the state. The European Convention on Human Rights, which establishes absolute rights that can never be violated by states and explicitly prohibits discrimination in the enjoyment of these rights, has become a model for their content and safeguards.
At the same time, Cyprus, as an equal member state of the European Union (EU), applies the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which recognises the protection of human rights as a central component of the European edifice.
At the same time, Cyprus, as an equal member state of the European Union (EU), applies the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which recognises the protection of human rights as a central component of the European edifice.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order, in compliance with the multiple and multidimensional obligations arising from the Constitution, EU law and international law, has in recent years made significant cuts and changes to safeguard, promote and raise awareness on human rights issues.
The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights, which we place at the basis of our policies in order to effectively address any discrimination affecting
With this in mind, we have placed at the top of our priorities the prevention and combating of racism and discrimination and the promotion of equality and inclusion as part of a broader effort to create a society that respects and protects the uniqueness and diversity of every individual.
Following the adoption of the first National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in 2021, which includes a coherent and systematic framework of objectives and priorities addressed to all state authorities and society, the Ministry of Justice is moving forward with individual National Strategies to safeguard the rights of groups in our society who face discrimination and need special support and protection.
In 2023, the Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women proceeded to draft the first National Strategy and the first National Action Plan based on key pillars of the Istanbul Convention and the Recommendations of the GREVIO Committee of the Council of Europe. These are documents and policy commitments that aspire to address holistically and comprehensively the complex problem of gender-based violence on the basis of victim-centred approaches, which place women at the centre of their reform actions.
Particularly for women, targeted actions are promoted in order to deconstruct outdated stereotypes and perceptions that are the root cause of inequalities and discrimination against women. At the same time, actions are promoted to address the challenges and difficulties faced on a daily basis by women who face discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity and by women who experience all forms of abuse and violation of their basic human rights. In this context, the Ministry of Justice will proceed with the preparation of a National Strategy for the protection and safeguarding of members of the LGBTI community.
The preparation of the first National Strategy for the Prevention and Combating of Anti-Semitism is also underway. The National Strategy, which builds on an existing strong legal framework to combat racism and anti-Semitism, promotes the principles of the rule of law and democratic values and the building of relationships of mutual understanding, acceptance and respect.
Recently, on the initiative of the Ministry of Justice, the Police Ordinance on the Management of Issues and Offences to Combat Racism has been amended to include the Bias Indicators adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and applied when investigating incidents of racism of any nature. The revised Police Regulation fully adopts and applies a victim-centred approach, through which the victim is treated with respect and sensitivity on the basis of an individualised and non-discriminatory procedure.
Improved changes have also been promoted in the Protocols for the Management of Victims of Sexual Violence and Rape applied by the Police in order to be fully in line with modern European and international human rights conventions.
Furthermore, with a view to safeguarding children's rights, based on the standards set by international and European organisations, the implementation of the provisions of the legislation for the establishment of a new modern child-friendly justice system is underway. Under the legislation, every child in conflict with the law receives specialised, individualised approach and support from a multidisciplinary team, with a view to his or her smooth social reintegration and avoiding the recurrence of offending behaviour.
Respect for human rights should not only be a legal obligation or a mere declaratory principle.
Respect for human rights should not only be a legal obligation or a mere declaratory principle. Effective safeguarding of rights is possible when respect for every human being, without any discrimination whatsoever, becomes a way of life and part of everyone's mentality. When every person realizes that human rights concern everyone and each of us individually, affecting every level of our lives and smooth social coexistence.
Respecting and guaranteeing the human rights of all people without exception is neither a luxury nor even an option. It is the supreme obligation of the rule of law and at the same time the highest democratic duty. And because the struggle for the preservation of human rights can only be unceasing and continuous, today remains a timely reminder of all that we must do as a state and as a society until the full enjoyment of the rights of every individual human being.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, I reassure all citizens that I will work to protect and promote their rights in a society of equality, inclusion, respect for all forms, diversity and non-negotiable respect for human rights. Thank you.
(OP/GC)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
