Following an intense and highly competitive campaign, the Republic of Cyprus was elected today as a member of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) for the period 2025-2027.
The election constitutes an important milestone for Cypriot diplomacy, since, for the first time in its history, the Republic of Cyprus is elected to one of the most important bodies of the UN system, thus strengthening the diplomatic footprint of our country internationally.
Cyprus received 167 votes from 189 UN member states that participated in the electoral process in New York, which was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Constantinos Kombos.
The election of Cyprus to the UN Human Rights Council is the culmination of our long-term efforts and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, both domestically and internationally.
With a strong track record in upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Cyprus is ready to contribute substantially to the HRC consultations and initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary challenges, including international Human Rights violations.
As an elected member of the HRC, which is based in Geneva, Cyprus will have the opportunity to highlight issues which it considers to be of significant importance, such as children’s rights, gender equality and women’s rights, the rights of vulnerable groups, and the protection of cultural heritage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates all its staff who worked for many months for the election of Cyprus to the HRC.