Press Releases

Today marks 24 years since the adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security". The resolution recognises that women and girls are often the most vulnerable victims of conflict, underlines the importance of protecting and promoting women's human rights in times of conflict, and highlights the importance of women's participation in peaceful dispute resolution processes as enhancing sustainability of peace.

In the framework of the obligations of the Republic of Cyprus arising from Resolution 1325, in 2021 the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, formulated and monitors the implementation of the National Action Plan "Women, Peace and Security". The Action Plan consists of four main pillars: Women's participation in decision-making centres, protection of women and girls from gender-based and sexual violence during conflict, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence during conflict and promotion and awareness of Resolution 1325. From 2021, actions related to the 4 pillars of the Plan have been implemented, which include, among others:

• Participation of women in high and leading positions in duties related to peace and security in the Government, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in international and regional organisations. In particular, 41 women serve in the army, 17 of whom hold the rank of senior officer. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, out of a total of 181 diplomats, 61 are women. Ten diplomatic missions are headed by women, including the Permanent Representation to the UN in New York and in Geneva and the Permanent Representation to the EU. Seven women lead key Directorates and departments of the Ministry: the Political Affairs Directorate, the General Secretariat of European Affairs, the Cyprus Question, Turkey, British Bases and Maritime Policy Directorate, the Schengen and Consular Affairs Directorate, the Crisis and Political Emergency Planning Management Directorate, the Protocol Directorate and the Service for Overseas and Repatriated Cypriots. Women also head the Communication and Public Diplomacy Unit and the offices of the Minister and the Permanent Secretary. The position of diplomatic advisor to the Minister of Defence is also held by a woman.
• In the area of efforts to increase the participation of women from conflict affected areas, the Republic of Cyprus, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, financially supports projects of international organisations and organisations that aim to strengthen the participation of women in peace building and post-conflict reconstruction. In 2023, the Republic of Cyprus contributed to 16 programs of international organisations dealing with the empowerment of women, with funding which accounted for 53% of the total voluntary contributions of the Republic of Cyprus to international organisations and institutions.
• A Conduct Guide for military and civilian missions of the Republic was formulated.
• The Asylum Service introduced a special form to identify vulnerable groups such as female victims of violence, sexual exploitation, genital mutilation, etc.
• The Ministry of Defence has established a Military Advisory Board, which is made up of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Contract Hoplites and consists of two (2) men and four (4) women. Its role is to incorporate thematic lectures on equality issues in various schools of the National Guard.
• The Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration, has prepared an asynchronous training program on the subject of resolution 1325. This program will be available online for civil servants, at times of their choice. This cooperation was extended to in person training of frontline public officers, with the aim of informing, raising awareness and providing practical solutions to officials who come or are likely to come into contact with women and girls who fall under the scope of Resolution 1325.
• The Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, conducted trainings for Civil Defence Equality Officers, on Resolution 1325 and the prevention and treatment of sexual harassment.
• Preparation of a Guide for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment, adapted to the specific needs and circumstances of Civil Defence Force members.

(AA/AS/AP)