Cyprus, speaking at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the interactive dialogue with High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk, reiterated its firm commitment to strengthening the UN human rights protection system.
As the Cypriot Permanent Representative ambassador Maria Michael underlined, ‘strengthening the UN human rights pillar is essential,’ and Cyprus ‘fully supports the High Commissioner’s mandate and appreciates his work to advance the promotion and protection of human rights across the world.’
She stressed that, as a member of the Human Rights Council, the country attaches particular importance to ‘continued and constructive cooperation’ with the Office of the High Commissioner, expressing hope for ‘further strengthening of exchanges and cooperation.’ She also underlined the importance of adequate funding for the Office, ‘enabling treaty bodies, Special Procedures, and investigative mechanisms to fully carry out their mandates.’
Cyprus, she noted, has ‘significantly increased its voluntary contribution’ to the Office of the High Commissioner and ‘will continue to do so, recognizing its responsibility to assist in the full delivery of its mandate.’
Ambassador Michael ‘reaffirmed the country’s strong support and commitment to multilateralism and to the responsibility to respect, protect, and promote human rights, leaving no one behind.’
Concluding, she expressed interest in hearing the High Commissioner’s views on the ‘challenges and opportunities for his Office and mandate under the UN80 initiative.’