It is indeed with great pleasure and satisfaction that I am attending the event held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the introduction and establishment of an independent Institution for the protection of human rights and the establishment in our country of the degree of control of the administration, so that there is full alignment with European standards, European principles and values.
And I am really happy about the institution of the Commissioner for Administration in the Republic of Cyprus because it is an independent institution - and I want to stress the word independent institution. Any attempts to interfere, fortunately because of the Commissioner's resistance - and I congratulate her - have been prevented so that some people realise that there is a framework within which everyone must operate. An independent institution concerned with the protection, safeguarding and promotion of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons residing in the Republic of Cyprus without exception.
An institution created in 1991, enabling citizens to complain to the Commissioner for Administration in cases of maladministration or violation of their rights.
Progressively, the Commissioner has been given responsibilities for defending equality and combating discrimination, the rights of persons deprived or likely to be deprived of their liberty, persons with disabilities, and ensuring decent treatment and protection of human rights in procedures for the forced return of third-country nationals.
In this context, seeking the more effective functioning of the institution and ensuring the rule of law, the strict observance of the Constitution and the protection of human rights in the Republic of Cyprus, we have taken a series of actions aimed at substantially supporting and strengthening the efforts of the Commissioner concerned.
In particular, among others. [*]The human resources of the Commissioner's Office have been strengthened. [*]Following an amendment in 2020 to the relevant legal framework concerning the Commissioner's competence to act as the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, the possibility for the Commissioner to conduct free and unannounced visits to any place or places of detention of his choice is formally provided for. [*]By decision of the Council of Ministers in 2021, the Officers of the Office of the Commissioner for Administration will be recruited on the basis of special examinations organised by the Commissioner himself. [*]In 2022, the Plenum of the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to amend the Commissioner for Administration Act of 1991 so that the term of office of each Commissioner may now be renewed only once. This is to protect against possible abuse, as we have done by amending the Constitution in terms of limiting presidential terms of office by reducing them from unlimited to only two.In order to further strengthen the independence of the person appointed to the post of Commissioner, by decision of the Council of Ministers in 2022 the appointment of the Commissioner by the President of the Republic will have to be approved by a majority of the House of Representatives. [*]In addition, by decision of the Council of Ministers, the Commissioner is empowered to establish a Human Rights Advisory Committee in which various human rights and civil society organisations will participate. [/LIST]
As a result of these actions and the efforts made over the past five years, both by the State and by the Office of the Commissioner, the relevant UN Subcommittee has reassessed the institution of the Commissioner and accredited it as a National Human Rights Authority with A status, recognizing that the institution is fully in line with the Paris Principles and is excellently performing the task it has undertaken.
The thirty years of the Commissioner's institution in the Republic of Cyprus have highlighted the successful action and international recognition of the work carried out over the years, starting with my dear Mr. Nicos Charalambous, who is rightly honoured tonight as the man who put his stamp on the launch of this institution,
It is an institution that acts as a support and complement to the State's efforts to build a society based on justice, equality and respect for diversity and the rights of all citizens at all levels and in all contexts.
In conclusion, allow me to congratulate the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Ms. Maria Stylianou Lottidis and her colleagues.
By demonstrating great dedication and responsibility in the performance of their high task, they have succeeded in fully meeting the responsibility of the important role they have assumed.
I would like to thank you warmly for the stable and excellent cooperation we have built for the benefit of all citizens.
Wishing every success in the proceedings of the conference, I have no doubt that the positioning of the high personalities and distinguished speakers taking part and the in-depth discussion that will follow will be highly constructive in terms of further improving and strengthening the Institution.
(PM/IC)
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