Interactive Dialogue with the Director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs – UNODC, Ms. Candice Welsch
New York, 13 October 2025
Thank you, Chair,
I would like to thank Madame Welsch for the presentation of all the reports. On behalf of my delegation, I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the new UNODC Representative in New York, Ms. Xiaohong Li, and to express our gratitude to Ms. Delphine Schantz for all her dedicated work.
Cyprus aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Trafficking in persons is a heinous crime and a serious global issue affecting millions of people worldwide, a grave violation of human rights, offending human dignity.
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. In this context, Cyprus has been contributing to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking. Since 2022, Cyprus has voluntarily contributed 60,000 euros to the Fund.
The UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 2010 was a key milestone in the collective commitment to combat trafficking in persons.
This year, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, 15 years after the adoption of the Global Plan of Action and the 25th anniversary of the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol. Therefore, the upcoming high-level Meeting on the Appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, presents a unique opportunity to assess our progress, address gaps, and reaffirm our collective determination to eradicate trafficking in persons.
Therefore, it has been a great honour for Cyprus that was appointed by the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, together with Tajikistan, as co-facilitator, 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 High-Level Meeting and the adoption of the Political Declaration this coming November.
In closing, Madame Director, can we have your views on how effective multilateralism and strong partnerships between Governments, the UN system, Civil Society, Academia and the Private Sector can assist in combating trafficking in persons?
I thank you.