Plenary Session - 16 June 2022[/B]
Dear colleagues,
Tomorrow has been designated by the United Nations as the World Day against Desertification and Drought, in order to take global action to combat the phenomenon of the conversion of fertile lands into arid areas, a phenomenon which is a growing threat to the planet, with our country facing an increased risk due to its geographical location. Soil desertification is rapidly increasing as a consequence of climate change and indiscriminate human activity, which may have a terrible impact on people's quality of life if not addressed immediately.
Recognizing the criticality of the problem, European and global organizations have proceeded to adopt measures to combat desertification and drought in order to achieve sustainable development.
Recognizing the criticality of the problem, European and global organizations have proceeded to adopt measures to combat desertification and drought in order to achieve sustainable development. The House of Representatives has since 1999 ratified by law the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought and continues to work in this direction by adopting relevant legislation, making the prevention and management of desertification a matter of immediate priority.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On 20 June we commemorate World Refugee Day, established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, as a day of awareness, solidarity and recognition of the drama of millions of people who are forced by force and at the risk of their lives to flee their homes because of war conflicts or political persecution in search of safe refuge. On this day we also recognise the strength of will and courage of all refugees to rebuild their lives in a foreign land, facing uncertainty about the future and sometimes hostility.
As the House of Representatives, we express our full support for refugees of all nationalities and call on the international community to take immediate action to end the conflicts worldwide and alleviate the problems they face. At the same time, we express our intention to continue to provide support to the suffering people and refugees of Ukraine due to Russia's ongoing war.
As Cypriots we fully understand the drama and suffering of the refugees, living in a country where for forty-eight years thousands of refugees continue to experience the bitterness of uprooting and refugeeism as a result of the brutal Turkish invasion and occupation. We therefore unequivocally condemn Turkey's violation of the right of all Cypriot refugees to return to their ancestral homes, as well as the violation of international law by any country against any people. Honouring and supporting all refugees of the world, we reaffirm that we will continue our efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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