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- Ελληνικά
The work of the 18th Annual General Assembly of the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (MPA) began yesterday and continues in Braga, Portugal, with the participation of the members of the Cypriot delegation to the MPA, Mr.Mr Andreas Pasiourtidis (head), Rita Theodorou Superman, Christos Orphanides and Charalambos Theopeptou.
Topics of discussion during yesterday's first part of the General Assembly included digital transformation in the public and private sectors, the challenges of applying artificial intelligence to the protection of human rights, the energy transition in the Mediterranean countries and cooperation in financing policies to address climate change.
Also, in the context of an information campaign against human trafficking and migrant trafficking in support of the "Blue Heart" campaign of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UNODC), messages from MEPs Andreas Pasiourtidis and Rita Theodorou Superman were filmed.
In his message, Mr. Pasiourtidis stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation, given the resilience of traffickers and the multi-dimensional nature of transnational organised crime of trafficking in human beings, despite the adoption of relevant national legislation and important treaties at the international level. Mr. Pasiourtides made a special reference to Cyprus, pointing out as obstacles to tackling human trafficking the inability of the Republic of Cyprus to act in the part of its territory under Turkish occupation and gaps in procedures regarding the ability to effectively bring perpetrators to justice. He also noted the conduct of campaigns and training of relevant officials, the operation of support hotlines and shelters for victims, as well as the remarkable work carried out by non-governmental organisations in support of the prevention and response to this very worrying phenomenon. She stressed the importance of concluding agreements, particularly with the victims' countries of origin, and the need to further strengthen protection and financial and medical support for victims.
In her message, Ms Superman underlined the need to demonstrate political will to effectively implement the existing legal instruments and deliver justice. She highlighted the important contribution of information and awareness-raising campaigns on trafficking in human beings, so that citizens are prepared to assist the authorities in the fight against trafficking in human beings and to play an essential role in the reintegration of victims.
Moreover, at a special ceremony, in the context of the institution of annual awards established by the CMC to honour personalities and organisations whose actions contribute substantially to the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, an award for the year 2024 was presented to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Constantinos Kombo, in recognition of the extremely important decision of the Republic of Cyprus to transfer humanitarian aid to Gaza through the creation of a sea corridor. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Lisbon, Mr. Elpidoforos Economou, received the award on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also among the awardees for the year 2023 was the Cyprus Institute, for its action in the fight against environmental crime. The award was received by the President of the Cyprus Institute Dr. Stavros Malas.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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