Promoting children’s rights, combating gender-based violence and advancing gender equality, as well as the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, are Cyprus’ core priorities as a member of the Human Rights Council, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.

Addressing an event at the presidential palace for the UN association of Cyprus, Christodoulides said humanity was facing catastrophic and existential risks.

“We live in an era of profound transformation and we are witnessing challenges of a magnitude unseen since the mid-20th century”, he said.

He added that “each day, the provisions of the UN Charter are disregarded and violated, principles of international law are neglected and the rights we cherish are constantly threatened.”

Christodoulides said that on October 9, 2024, Cyprus was elected for the first time member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027.

Cyprus’ membership, he said, would be one that reflected the values of democracy, justice and rule of law.

The president added that Cyprus would also act as an honest broker and a relentless seeker of synergies and regional cooperation, as means to promote peace, stability and development.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said the country was particularly attuned to the necessity of peacekeeping, respect for sovereignty and unwavering adherence to international law.

He added that he would spare no effort to reunify Cyprus on the basis of UN resolutions.