Written statement submitted by Cyprus to the United Nations Security Council open debate on “Sexual Violence in Conflict” – New York, 14 April 2021

This statement complements that of the European Union and offers some concrete suggestions towards combating sexual violence in conflict.

The prohibition of rape and other forms of sexual violence by customary international law, in both international and non-international armed conflicts, as well as the wide recognition of such acts as war crimes since the first codification of the laws of war in early military manuals, and as crimes against humanity in current international legal practice, provides a strong [Read more…]

Item 74 “Report of the International Court of Justice”

United Nations, 3 November 2020

Mr. President,

At the outset, allow me to thank President Yusuf for his introduction of this year’s report of the International Court of Justice (A/75/4) and to welcome the intense level of the Court’s activity during the reporting period, including the handing down of three judgements and seven procedural orders, the [Read more…]

Item 75 “Report of the International Criminal Court”

United Nations, 2 November 2020

Mr. President,

My remarks today are complementary to the statement delivered by the European Union, as well as to the statement of the States Parties to the Rome Statute delivered by Germany. [Read more…]

Item 90 “Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework”- Sixth Committee 

United Nations, 19 October 2020

Mr. Chairman,

As this is the first time my delegation takes the floor in this session, allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chairman and wish you and the Bureau every success in steering our work. [Read more…]

United Nations, 6 October 2020

Madame Chairperson,

Let me start by congratulating you on your election and assure you of my delegation’s full support.

My delegation fully subscribes to the statement of the European Union and as such, my remarks are confined to specific national concerns regarding the violations of individual and collective human rights and fundamental freedoms of Cypriots that stem from the invasion and ongoing occupation of [Read more…]

Intervention by Dr. Costas Kadis, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus (Virtual)

United Nations Biodiversity Summit Plenary Segment 

UN Headquarters, 30 September 2020 

Your Excellences, distinguished delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor for me today to share with all of you our views for this crucial issue, the life itself on the planet, the protection and halting of the loss of biodiversity. [Read more…]

At the outset, I would like to express our profound appreciation to the President of the seventy – fourth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Muhammad-Bande, for his outstanding leadership during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would also like to congratulate the newly elected President of the General Assembly of the seventy-fifth session, Mr. Volkan Bozkir and wish every success in the exercise of his duties, in a fair and transparent manner.
[Read more…]

Ceremony for the 75^th Anniversary from the signing  of the Charter of the United Nations, on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco

United Nations, New York, 26 June 2020

The United Nations emerged from the ashes of the war as the embodiment of “never again” and the catalyst for a new era in international relations, more humane, more democratic, more equal and fair,    [Read more…]

General Debate of the Ad-Hoc Working Group on Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly

United Nations Headquarters, 2 March 202

Thank you, co-Chairs, Mr. President of the General Assembly.

My statement complements that of the European Union. [Read more…]

Report of the Secretary General on the work of the Organization

United Nations General Assembly

Mr. President,

My statement complements that of the European Union.

At the outset, let me welcome the timing of this debate, which allows us more time to better prepare, and follows the main session of the Assembly, giving us the opportunity to dwell on our recent performance and learn from our experiences in order to better [Read more…]