80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 3 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, allow me to extend my best wishes to you, the Bureau, and the Secretariat of the Third Committee for a fruitful and constructive term.
Cyprus fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to also add a few remarks in my national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
Cyprus considers human rights as the cornerstone of the multilateral system and has made human rights a top priority in its foreign policy. Thus, Cyprus’ election- for the very first time- as member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027 has been a distinct honour. We are firmly committed to promoting, protecting, and implementing human rights, at national and international level, as well as advancing and strengthening Human Rights within the United Nations’ system.
Regrettably, the people of Cyprus have experienced for the last 51 years, gross violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, as a result of the illegal Turkish military invasion and continued military occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
More than one third of the population are still internally displaced, being denied the right to return and peacefully enjoy their properties. Instead, their land is subjected to unlawful exploitation by the occupation regime.
Equally alarming is the occupying power’s systematic policy of demographic engineering through the mass transfer of settlers, which constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law. Cyprus’s cultural and religious heritage has also suffered irreparable loss, with over 500 churches looted, desecrated, or destroyed. The intentional destruction of cultural heritage is recognized as a violation of international law and, under the Rome Statute, as a war crime.
The few hundred enclaved Greek Cypriots and Maronites who remain in the occupied areas continue to face oppression and discrimination, including restrictions on education, religion, and access to their communities. At the same time, the fate of nearly half of the missing persons in Cyprus remains unresolved due to the refusal of Turkiye to provide to the Committee on Missing Persons all relevant information from its military archives and grant unhindered access to what it classifies as military areas.
In recounting the violations committed, it is equally important to acknowledge the restrictions suffered by the Turkish Cypriots living under occupation. Their freedom of expression, thought, religion, and association are curtailed; their daily lives are subjected to surveillance and interference; and their culture and identity are suppressed.
Mr. Chair,
Recent developments further underscore the severity of the situation. On 19 July, five elderly Greek Cypriots were unlawfully detained and illegally charged by the occupying regime for visiting their properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus. They were subjected to inhumane treatment, leading to severe health deterioration, and, while released under conditions, remain barred from returning to their homes. We strongly condemn this politically motivated detention, which amounts to kidnapping and hostage-taking.
Human rights violations cannot be normalized because of the passage of time. Cyprus will continue to raise these issues until the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots are fully restored.
Mr. Chair,
Around the world, women and girls continue to face discrimination, violence, and economic marginalization, while systemic barriers and global crises risk eroding hard-won progress.
As we mark the 30th anniversary since the landmark adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this is not just a moment for reflection; it is an opportunity to accelerate action and reaffirm our joint commitment towards gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Cyprus is fully committed in intensifying all efforts towards achieving gender equality, eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and girls, promoting, protecting, and fulfilling their rights, as well as providing equal opportunities for their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all spheres of life.
Cyprus has taken concrete measures in this regard, by strengthening legislative frameworks and implementing gender-responsive budgeting, as well as public campaigns to combat stereotypes.
Mr. Chair,
Trafficking in persons is a heinous crime and a serious global issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Human dignity is non-negotiable and trafficking in persons can no longer be tolerated. Combating trafficking in persons, protecting victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and strengthening partnerships to enhance coordination and cooperation, is among the top priorities of the Cyprus Government.
As such, it has been a great honour for Cyprus to have been appointed by the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, as co-facilitator, together with Tajikistan, to produce a political declaration on the implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. We look forward to the relevant high-level meeting of the General Assembly, to be held this coming November.
Mr. Chair,
Cyprus reaffirms its strong commitment to the rights of the child as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols. Relevant national initiatives, strategies, and policies have been adopted, while the independent Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child plays a central role in monitoring legislation and amplifying children’s voices.
Cyprus is a strong supporter of the full, effective and meaningful participation of young persons in decision-making processes at all levels- local, national, regional, and international- including here at the United Nations. The Cypriot Government is implementing programmes and actions with a special focus on giving young persons the opportunity to shape our national policies and has institutionalized youth voices in national decision-making structures.
We must remain committed in ensuring that the voices of young persons are not only asked for and heard, but are mainstreamed both nationally, as well as across the work of the UN system.
Older persons are equally vital to society, contributing knowledge and experience, yet often face marginalization and discrimination. Cyprus is committed to building an inclusive, age-friendly society that promotes independence, support, and care. In this regard, Cyprus had adopted the first-ever National Strategy and Action Plan for Active Ageing.
Mr. Chair,
The protection of cultural diversity is intrinsically linked to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Culture, in all its dimensions, is deeply rooted in the very existence of all Cypriots and it’s one of Cyprus’ top priorities. Moreover, during Cyprus’ Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the “Convention on Offences Relating to Cultural Property”, also known as the “Nicosia Convention”, was adopted. The said Convention constitutes the first ever international legal text incorporating a criminal code for perpetrators who destroy, steel or trade cultural heritage treasures. In keeping with this focus, Cyprus is one of the initiators and co-chairs of the UN Group of Friends of Culture, together with Egypt, Italy, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Chair,
In conclusion, Cyprus reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. As a divided country under occupation, we will persist in raising the plight of Cypriots whose rights are violated, while remaining steadfast in advancing the rights of women, children, and young persons.
Cyprus stands ready to work constructively with all Member States and the Organization, to strengthen multilateralism and ensure a just, peaceful, and prosperous world for the current and future generations.
I thank you.