10-12-2022 16:06 |
Ministry
of Foreign Affairs message on World Human Rights Day |
On December 10, every year, we celebrate World Human Rights Day, to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Seventy-four years after the
signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we still witness
systematic violations of human rights. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and
the crises carousel worldwide all have a common denominator, and that is
human suffering. Today is a day of reflection and contemplation rather than a
day of celebrations. Especially in our country, where for more than 48 years
there have been ongoing violations of the human rights of all Cypriots, as a
consequence of the Turkish invasion of 1974. When Eleanor Roosevelt, who was
the prime inspirer of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, envisioned a
future without discrimination, she wanted to lay the foundation for a new,
inclusive generation, one that would have drawn lessons from the untold pain
and destruction caused by World War II. Presenting the Declaration 74 years
ago, she was aware of the importance of the text both for the UN and for
humanity. Today, however, the situation
is far from ideal. The statistics show an increase in domestic violence and
the high rates of abusive behaviour especially against women and girls is a
situation we should be concerned about as a society. This grim reality shows us that
every day of the year should be a Human Rights Day. World Human Rights Day is
a wake-up call addressed to all of us. Governments are called to work
together, strengthening multilateralism and universal solidarity. Within this
context, the Republic of Cyprus has submitted a nomination and hopes to be
elected, for the first time, as a member of the Human Rights Council, for the
period 2025-27. The Republic of Cyprus remains
committed to the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all
citizens regardless of origin, class, language, religion or personal beliefs,
sexual orientation or persons with disabilities and will continue to fight to
guarantee the unhindered enjoyment of these rights. (MH) |