The Police’s role in upholding human rights was highlighted during a specialized conference held in Nicosia. Esteemed officials and experts gathered to discuss the importance of equality and justice, emphasizing the Police’s commitment to advocating for human rights and combating discrimination.
What is the role of the Police in upholding human rights?
The Police play a crucial role in upholding human rights by ensuring equality and justice. This involves establishing specialized offices like the Office of Human Rights and Combating Discrimination, developing cooperation with other services and NGOs, and continuously educating and sensitizing individuals on human rights importance to maintain a just, equitable, and inclusive society.
The Pillar of Human Rights in Policing
The Police have consistently expressed a profound respect for fundamental human rights. This enduring commitment was highlighted during a specially dedicated conference held on Friday, December 15, in Nicosia. Organized to coincide with International Human Rights Day, which is globally recognized on December 10, the event underscored the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to uphold and defend the inviolable rights of every individual.
A Gathering of Minds and Authorities
Esteemed academics, government officials, and representatives from various sectors were in attendance. Among the key speakers were the Assistant Attorney General of the Republic, Mr. Savvas Angelides, the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mrs. Anna Koukkidi Prokopiou, and notably, the Chief of Police, Mr. Stelios Papatheodorou. These gatherings of minds serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts necessary to fortify the principles of equality and justice within society.
The Role of the Police in Human Rights Advocacy
The Chief of Police, Mr. Stelios Papatheodorou, in his address, emphasized the Police’s shared responsibility in ensuring human rights and detailed the initiatives undertaken in pursuit of this mission. He spoke of the establishment and operation of the Office of Human Rights and Combating Discrimination, which stands as a beacon of the Police’s commitment to these values. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of developing cooperation with other services and non-governmental organizations as a means to bolster these efforts.
Addressing Modern Challenges
Mr. Papatheodorou did not shy away from acknowledging the contemporary issues that threaten human rights on a global scale. He stressed the need for vigilance and perseverance in the ongoing battle to confront these challenges. The Chief’s message was clear: human rights transcend privilege or choice and serve as the foundational pillars of a just, equitable, and inclusive society.
An Ongoing Commitment
For the 5th consecutive year, the Conference has been an initiative of the European Union Directorate – International Police Cooperation, Office of Human Rights and Combating Discrimination, of the Police Headquarters. This annual event plays a critical role in educating and sensitizing individuals on the importance of human rights, and it stands as a continued effort to advocate for equality and combat discrimination in all its forms.
The Conference’s role in reinforcing the essential nature of human rights within the rule of law was not just about discourse. It was a reiteration of the core values that guide the Police force’s duty to the public—a duty that extends beyond protection and into the realms of advocacy and upholding the dignity of all individuals under their jurisdiction.
In simple words, the police held a conference to talk about how important it is for them to protect people’s human rights. The conference had important people like government officials and experts who discussed how the police can work towards equality and fairness for everyone. The chief of police spoke about the things the police are doing to make sure people’s rights are respected and how they are working with other organizations to achieve this. They also talked about the challenges they face in protecting human rights and how they will keep working towards a fair and inclusive society. This conference happens every year to educate people and remind them about the importance of human rights and to fight against discrimination. It shows that the police are not just here to enforce laws, but also to support and protect the rights of every person.
