Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 32^nd Session (21 January – 01 February 2019) : 3rd UPR of Cyprus - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Dr. A. Sudhakara Reddy, Counsellor (Legal). [Geneva, 29 January 2019] 

Mr. President, 

India welcomes the delegation of Cyprus and thanks for presentation of its National Report. 

2. We appreciate the holistic approach of Cyprus on its human rights agenda and its efforts in implementing Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The initiative to conduct a national voluntary review of the implementation of 2030 Agenda in 2017 is noteworthy.

3. The National Action Plan for Gender Equality 2018 – 2021 initiated by Cyprus is a welcome stepin addressing various challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including women. This would ensure socio-economic up-liftment of various sections of the women community. 

4. We take note of the efforts of Cyprus in bringing out a Strategic Plan 2018 – 2020 that aimsto increase access to quality education, provide opportunities for all students and early detection of behavioral issues in learning by any child. 

5. My delegation recommends the following: 

1. Take measures to combat gender discrimination in employment and guarantee equal pay for men and women for equal work or work of equal value.
2. Strengthen its efforts to increase participation of members of the Roma Community in education sector and address the challenges such as the low school attendance and school drop outs.

6. We wish the delegation of Cyprus all success. 

I, Thank you Mr. President.