I have the honour to welcome you all to today's ceremony for the 2nd annual "Stella Soulioti Human Rights Award"
On 10 December, we commemorated the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration is a milestone in the history of humanity and its efforts for this sacred good and remains a shining beacon for progress and justice.
However, we express our grave concern as we observe an ever-increasing slide in human rights. The COVID pandemic19 and the environmental crisis, combined with the enormous impact of the war in Ukraine, demonstrate the need to redouble our efforts to safeguard and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Therefore, much work remains to be done to achieve the standards of the Declaration.
The international human rights agenda has always been high on Cyprus' priorities. On a wide range of issues, such as gender equality and combating human trafficking, our firm commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights is imperative.
As a strong advocate of multilateralism and international cooperation, the Republic of Cyprus has decided to present its candidature for the first time to the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027. We are confident that Cyprus, if elected, will make a substantial contribution as a member of the Council.
In order to encourage and highlight the work of human rights activists and defenders in Cyprus, we have established the Stella Soulioti Award.
When evaluating the numerous candidates for the year 2022, the Committee of the Stella Soulioti Award decided to award it to Ms. Androulla Christofidou Henriques, honoring her for her long-standing, unstoppable and influential contribution against human trafficking.
Ms. Christofidou Henriques, as an activist and founder of the NGO "Cyprus Stop Trafficking", is one of those rare personalities who have contributed significantly to alleviating human suffering and addressing the abuse of human dignity.
Fifteen years later, "Cyprus STOP Trafficking" continues its legacy of supporting victims of human trafficking, and forging a zero tolerance approach towards this scourge in Cyprus.
I am honoured to present this award to Ms Christofidou Henriques and the NGO Cyprus Stop Trafficking, for their remarkable work and their daily struggle to improve the lives of victims.
In closing, I would like to quote these words of wisdom from a human rights defender and one of the people who inspired the Universal Declaration, Eleanor Roosevelt. If we respect those rights, for ourselves and for others, I think we will find that it is easier in the world to build peace because war destroys all human rights and freedoms, so by fighting for them we are fighting for peace."
(MH)
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