“This is an excellent result for our country. This demonstrates respect and trust for Cyprus. Now our state can participate in important UN initiatives,” President Nikos Christodoulides said.
The Foreign Ministry called it an “intense and highly competitive campaign.”
“The elections are an important milestone for Cypriot diplomacy, as for the first time in its history, our country has been elected to one of the most important bodies of the UN system, which strengthens our country’s diplomatic presence in the international arena.”
The document clarifies that as an elected member of the Human Rights Council, “Cyprus will have the opportunity to highlight issues that it considers to be of particular importance, such as children’s rights, gender equality and women’s rights, the rights of vulnerable groups and the protection of cultural heritage.”
Christodoulides expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all Member States that supported the candidacy of Cyprus.
Echoing the president, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos said that this development “was another proof that Cyprus’ diplomatic horizons are expanding.” He added that the goal is to realize statehood as an active member of the international community.
Announcing the news, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the UN member states for voting.
“We look forward to working with all UN member states to promote human dignity, equality and justice around the world. Together we can achieve the full realization of human rights for all. Having extensive experience in observing the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Cyprus is ready to make a significant contribution to the consultations and initiatives of the Human Rights Council aimed at solving modern problems, including international human rights violations.”
Cyprus ran for this seat for the first time, where it won 167 votes. A total of 18 countries were selected for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2025.
The members of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council are elected by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly in New York by secret ballot across geographical groups to ensure even representation. A total of 189 countries participated in the electoral process.
Although the Human Rights Council does not have legally binding powers, its meetings increase the level of control and can commission investigations to document violations, which sometimes become grounds for prosecution for war crimes.
Combos attended the secret ballot on the nomination of new members, accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, ministry officials and diplomats.
A source: cyprus-mail.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipr-poluchil-mesto-sovete-pravam
