The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Papaellina, took part in the deliberations of the first day of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CoSP19), which is held in New York between June 9-11, 2026, with a series of high-level interventions and initiatives in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Welfare, Papaellina co-chaired the High Level Lunch for Heads of Mission of EU Member States, together with the Director of the European Commission’s Directorate for Equality and Non-Discrimination, Ana Carla Pereira. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Upgraded European Disability Strategy, with an emphasis on strengthening inclusion, autonomy and supported decision-making.
At the same time, in her speech at an event organized by the European Union to support organisations for people with disabilities and civil society, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the relevant UN Convention, the Deputy Minister highlighted the cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with representative organisations of people with disabilities, presenting good practices and their contribution to the formulation of modern policies and legislative reforms.
The announcement further notes a parallel event of the Cyprus Presidency on supported decision-making for people with disabilities, which the Deputy Minister chaired. The event was co-organised by Cyprus, the European Commission, Ireland, Peru, Kenya and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), bringing together government officials and representatives of international organisations and civil society.
In her remarks, the Deputy Minister stressed that supported decision-making is a fundamental human right and a basic precondition for meaningful equality, dignity and self-determination for persons with disabilities.
The proceedings of the first day concluded with the statement of the Republic of Cyprus to the plenary session of the Summit, which was delivered by the Deputy Minister, reaffirming the country’s “commitment to promoting the rights, equal participation and independent living of persons with disabilities.”
It is added that Cyprus’ participation in CoSP19 confirms its “active role” in international efforts to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and promote policies that ensure their full and effective social inclusion.