In November 2016, Cyprus assumed the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers for the fifth time during its membership. As a member of the Organization since 1961, Cyprus takes the responsibility of the Chairmanship as an opportunity to play a leading role in the vital work of the Council in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law across the continent.

The assumption of the Chairmanship comes at a time when Europe is faced with economic hardship, migratory flows, terrorism, the dangerous rise of populism, xenophobic rhetoric and extremism, and other phenomena, which test our democracies and shake public trust in state and international institutions.

The main theme of the Cypriot Chairmanship is therefore the strengthening of democratic security in Europe. In this framework, Cyprus takes the opportunity of the Chairmanship to bolster the relations of the Organisation with its southern neighbors.

Through enhanced dialogue and invitations extended to neighboring countries to take part at events organised during the Chairmanship, as well as by fostering visibility of important instruments like the North South Center, Cyprus will highlight the added value of the legal instruments of the Council of Europe, inviting further participation and enhancement of co-operation.

The Cyprus Chairmanship attaches great importance to the protection of cultural heritage. Cypriot diplomacy has undertaken an international initiative to bolster the protection of cultural property from wanton destruction and the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, exploring innovative approaches for the creation of synergies and the development of capacities for the effective protection of cultural heritage. With this in mind, upon the Chairmanship’s initiative and in co-operation with the Secretary General, a colloquium was held on 13 January with the aim of stepping up co-operation in the protection of cultural heritage through the conclusion and promotion of the new Council of Europe Convention penalizing the destruction and illicit trafficking of cultural goods. The Cypriot Chairmanship aspires to adopt this important legal instrument at the Committee of Ministers to be held in Cyprus in May 2017.

The Cypriot Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers also considers it very important to establish the conditions which will enable everyone, without discrimination, to have full access to fundamental rights and freedoms. Cyprus is particularly concerned about helping to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and increasing the possibilities for them to take an active part in the life of the community. In March, a high-level conference will be held in Cyprus to launch the new Council of Europe Disability Strategy 2017-2023, adopted by the Committee of Ministers.

Cypriot Chairmanship sets up on an ambitious journey at the steer of the Council of Europe, guided by its faith in the Organisation and the values it stands for. In these endeavours, Cyprus counts on the support of all member states, the institutions and bodies of the Council of Europe.