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- Ελληνικά
Report of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs. Anita Demetriou on the return of Archbishop Makarios III to Cyprus and the Day of Democratic Resistance, World Anti-Corruption Day and World Human Rights Day
Plenary Session 8 December 2023
December 7, the day on which the elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, returned to Cyprus after the coup d'état, restoring law and order, has been established as the Day of Democratic Resistance. It is a day of remembrance and honour for all those who resisted the treacherous coup and defended with their lives the constitutional legitimacy of Cyprus. It is a day of remembrance of our historical and patriotic duty to work to heal the wounds suffered by our homeland from the twin crimes of 1974, but also to continue tirelessly the struggle for the reunification of our homeland and the restoration of the rights of our people, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I now call upon you to observe a one-minute silence in memory of those who resisted the coup and fought for democracy in our country.
(One-minute silence)
May their memory live on!
Ladies and gentlemen,
December 9 has been designated as the World Anti-Corruption Day. Corruption is a scourge that strikes at the very fabric of societies, undermines trust in institutions and hinders progress and development. It is a challenge that transcends borders and affects people from all walks of life.
On this day we reaffirm our commitment to fight corruption. We recognise that corruption is not only a legal but also a moral issue, affecting the lives of millions around the world and eroding the foundations of justice, equality and democracy. As responsible citizens, we must take action to fight corruption. This means being accountable for the actions of no one, promoting transparency and ethical behaviour, and supporting initiatives that foster a culture of integrity. Let us use this day as an occasion to recommit ourselves to the principles of honesty, integrity and responsibility. Together we can build a world where corruption has no place and the values of justice and equality prevail.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On 10 December we commemorate World Human Rights Day, a day that serves as a reminder that every person, regardless of race, gender, religion or origin, has indisputable rights and freedoms. On this day we commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a groundbreaking document adopted by the United Nations in 1948. This declaration, born from the ashes of the Second World War, serves as a beacon of hope, articulating the inherent dignity and equality of rights for all members of the human family, and stands as a testament to our shared ambition for a world where justice, freedom and peace prevail.
We must, however, recognise that challenges remain and millions of people around the world face discrimination, oppression and denial of their basic rights. World Human Rights Day is a call to action, urging us to reflect on the progress that has been made and to work tirelessly to create a world where existing injustices are eradicated. We must make good on every pledge to promote understanding, tolerance and respect between people and stand united against discrimination, violence and inequality. Let this day we celebrate be a catalyst for change, inspiring us to stand up for the rights of marginalised people.
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