Plenary session of 5 May 2022
Dear colleagues,
It was May 1886, when labor unions in Chicago revolted for better and more decent working conditions under the slogan "Eight hours of work, eight hours of rest, eight hours of recreation." Despite the tragic outcome of the riots, 1 May was a worldwide landmark date for the introduction of the eight-hour day, an increase in wages and the introduction of a social security system. In Cyprus, as early as the 1920s, under the adverse conditions of colonialism, the labour movement began its own struggles for humane working conditions, social justice and dignity, laying the foundations for many of the social gains that Cypriots enjoy today.
We commemorate this day and pay tribute to the workers who fought and paved the way for a democratic and sustainable labour law against the brutal exploitation of human labour. As the House of Representatives, we send a message of solidarity to workers, the unemployed, pensioners and all vulnerable social strata. We declare our determination to defend the ideals of Labour Day and to safeguard workers' rights for a better future, recognizing our duty to enact legislation to address any deregulation of labour relations and circumvention of workers' rights.
Colleagues,
9 May has been established as the Peoples' Anti-Fascist Victory Day during the Second World War and as Europe Day. The Second World War, in which the majority of the world's countries were involved, ended definitively with the unconditional capitulation of Nazi Germany in 1945. It was the most horrific war in terms of scale and atrocities that humanity has never known.
We pay tribute to the millions of victims, soldiers, volunteers, civilians and Cypriot volunteers who fought alongside the Allies and resisted the fascist occupation and ideology that led to the degeneration of the human species.
We pay tribute to the millions of victims, soldiers, volunteers, civilians and Cypriot volunteers who fought alongside the Allies and resisted the fascist occupation and ideology that led to the degeneration of the human race.
On the occasion of Europe Day, which celebrates peace and unity throughout Europe, it is our collective duty as European citizens to uphold the European values of freedom, democracy and justice by opposing any act of war that threatens the sovereignty and independence of any state.
As the House of Representatives, we are committed to the common struggle for peace and justice and stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but also against any form of fascism and terrorist action that disturbs social cohesion, security and peace.
Dear Colleagues,
Dear Colleagues,
May 8 has been established as World Thalassaemia Day by the World Health Organization and the International Thalassaemia Federation, in order to awaken and encourage scientists around the world to better treat the disease, to inform and raise public awareness of the problems of people with thalassaemia, and to make the effort needed to ensure blood safety and sufficiency.
Thalassaemia is the most common single-gene disease with over 300 million carriers worldwide. In our country, it is the most common inherited condition among the Cypriot population and has the highest number of multicoagulated thalassaemia patients worldwide compared to the general population. As such, it has established itself as the "national disease."
The effect of the disease on cells is degenerative and requires a rigorous and highly multidisciplinary treatment regimen with a huge number of continuous monitoring and preventive or curative actions, such as regular blood transfusion and concomitant desensitization therapy.
The Cypriot state, recognizing the importance of the proper management of thalassaemia, has developed a multi-level network of services, as part of a national strategy that includes specialized thalassaemia centres in the four major cities and a Population Screening Laboratory with the assistance of departments of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, as well as the Blood Centre, since thalassaemia requires 35% of the blood collected in our country.
With this year's message "Inform. Share. Care." the International Thalassaemia Federation is conducting a global campaign for the 18th consecutive year and calls for action for all, underlining the value of each and every person's contribution to the fight to reduce thalassaemia and the crucial importance of preventing, managing and treating the disease.
As the House of Representatives, we support the Pancyprian Anti-Anemia Association in every event and effort to raise awareness among Cypriot citizens on issues related to thalassaemia and blood donation in our country and we commit ourselves to take the necessary measures that will activate the competent health institutions for the best possible health and social care of thalassaemia patients. As part of this support, the Parliament building, as well as other public buildings, will be illuminated on Sunday, 8 May 2022, in red, which symbolizes the blood donation.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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