The goal of the Government is the universal achievement of equality, Minister of Justice and Public Order, Anna Koukkides-Procopiou said on Monday in an event on promoting respect for diversity.

Respect diversity and uniqueness of each individual, “despite the fact that it is and should be self-evident in every case, is a great daily challenge for every democratic society”, the Minister said, adding that, in recent years, a large number of laws have been passed in Cyprus to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination. She noted, however, that legislation is not enough by itself to eliminate discrimination, racism and homophobia and that it was also a matter of education and mentality.

The fight against racism and discrimination, Prokopiou said, was “a complex, persistent and long-term project”, which should include educational actions as well as actions to raise awareness, in order to cultivate the culture of acceptance, inclusiveness and of equality.

She said that the goal of the Government was “the universal achievement of equality”, respect for all forms of diversity and fighting discrimination.

The Minister also referred to the role of the Police in effectively dealing with acts of racism, discrimination or homophobia. Prokopiou said that the handling and investigation of such incidents was enhanced with the adoption of a guide for the investigation of such incidents issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. She also said that the amended Police procedures include provisions for the protection of victims and witnesses of incidents of racist or homophobic violence.

The event was organised by the Cyprus Police and Accept-LGBTI Cyprus. 

In his own speech, Police chief, Stelios Papatheodorou, said that the aim of the Cyprus Police was to protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of their personal choices, the adopt of a culture of acceptance and respect for diversity and equal treatment for all. He noted that everyone should feel free to be themselves, without fearing they will experience discrimination, or that their rights and freedoms will be violated.