COMMAND POST-10, 16 August 2017 - Following an increase in UNFICYP’s Slovak contingent in September 2016 in line with Operation UNFICYP concept Force888, the mission’s Sector 4 embarked on not only fulfilling new operational tasks, but also expanding the accommodation and catering capacities for Slovak troops deployed at the Command Post (CP)-10 base near Dheryneia, where the new team was assigned.

The CP-10 expansion process has involved building a new kitchen-dining facility, relocation the helicopter landing system and rebuilding it for night use, as well as building another accommodation area. In addition, the mission has constructed parking lots, perimeter fencing and gates, landscaped the base and its surroundings with emphasis on flood protection measures, construction of infrastructure for new lighting and has installed backup electric generator and removed an unused water tower. Work commenced on 26 December 2016, and was completed at the end of July 2017; the new CP-10 facility becomes the most modern base in UNFICYP’s area of operation.

On 16 August 2017, CP-10 was officially opened and presented to senior mission officialsm including Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief-of-Staff Colonel Tim Wildish and Deputy Chief Mission Support, Mr. Ivan Radev, among others. The head of the Force Engineers, Lt. Col. Pavol Kobik conducted the tour of the new facilities.

In his remarks, General Humayun thanked to the Slovak engineers and the civilian engineers for their dedication as well as the high quality of their work in the implementation of the project.

FAMAGUSTA, 11 September 2017 - The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP in Cyprus) last night hosted an event to mark the completion of conservation works on the Martinengo Bastion and the portion of the Venetian Walls between Arsenal and Seagate in Famagusta.

The project was funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.
In attendance at the event were, among others, Mr. Ali Tuncay and Mr. Takis Hadjidemetriou, the heads of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, Ms. Mary McCarthy, Director of the the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service, Ms. Tiziana Zennaro, UNDP Programme Manager, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar.

“Martinengo Bastion and this portion of the walls represent but one milestone in efforts to renovate the Old Town of Famagusta,” SRSG Spehar said in her remarks. “Bringing this area to life not only carries cultural and historical significance, but can be an important boost for socio-economic development.”

“This accomplishment, along with the other initiatives spearheaded by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage and supported by so many of you here today, including the European Union and my own colleagues at UNDP, can serve as an inspiration for the entire island,” she added.

NEW YORK, 20 September 2017 - UN Peacekeeping held an event earlier today on Gender and Peacekeeping to provide an overview of the progress of the implementation of the women, peace and security mandates in peacekeeping operations and to advocate Member States for their continued support, including increasing women's deployments into peacekeeping operations.

UN Peacekeeping has set a target of recruiting 15% women as military observers and staff officers by the year end and to reach a goal of 20% female police deployments by 2020.

“The number of women deployed in peacekeeping remains too low. We still have a long way to go to achieve parity and implement the women, peace, and security mandates,” said Head of UN Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, was co-chaired by the UK Mission to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations, and the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Perú.

Source: Department of Peacekeeping Operations

NICOSIA, 20 September 2017 - The new Ambassador of Germany to Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Franz Josef Kremp, called on the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, at UNFICYP HQ today.

The two discussed recent developments in Cyprus and the work of UNFICYP; the SRSG thanked Mr. Kremp for his country’s continued support for the UN.

21 September 2017 – The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) today marked the International Day of Peace at Force HQ in the buffer zone; the International Day of Peace is commemorated annually on 21 September, and is an opportunity for renewed determination to work for a future free of conflict, and a day to honour those who have fallen in war.

This year, the day was held under the theme: “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All,” which was initiated during the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in September 2016. It honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global, UN-led initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for anyone forced to flee their home in search of a better life.

Joining UNFICYP’s leadership and military, police and civilian staff to mark the event were, among others, Mr. Damtew Dessalegne, the Representative of UNHCR to Cyprus, Ms. Salpy Eskidjian Weiderud and Ms. Linnéa Frändå of the Office of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, and Ms. Stephanie Nicolas, programme coordinator of PeacePlayers Cyprus.

“The International Day of Peace is an opportunity to call for an end to the conflicts that continue to ravage the world, destroying families and nations,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, said in her remarks. “It is a day on which the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global ceasefire, with the hope that one day of peace can lead to another, and another, and ultimately to a stilling of the guns.”

“Let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to those who have perished as a result of violence and strife across the world, including those who lost their lives in conflict on this island,” she added. “The best way we can honour them is to continue, and in fact, to rededicate ourselves to our work to end conflict and in turn, to end the suffering it wreaks on people who deserve to live, and to thrive.”

Also speaking at the event, UNHCR’s Mr. Damtew noted that with 65.6 million people displaced globally, the world is witnessing the highest level of human suffering ever seen.

“Refugees are a symbol of our turbulent times. They bring home to us in the most visceral and compelling way what is happening in the world,” he said. “When we see these big numbers, we should not forget that behind each refugee or internally displaced person fleeing war or conflict there is a tragic individual story; a story of loss and suffering; of family separation. Many of them have seen their homes destroyed, members of their family killed, their communities bombarded.”

“This is therefore a time where refugees need us more than ever.  Many people have opened their hearts to refugees. Others have perceived their arrival as a threat to their identity.  Some of those who perceive them as a threat have probably never met a refugee,” he added. “There is a lot each of us can do to overcome indifference or fear and to counter narratives that would seek to exclude and marginalize refugees and other uprooted people.”

Addressing the event, Ms. Nicolas from PeacePlayers Cyprus noted that young people were disproportionately affected by conflict and forced migration, and highlighted the important role team sports like basketball can play in bringing different communities together, building deep personal bonds and lasting friendships. The organisation also focuses on peace education, teaching young people the values of equality, dignity and leadership.

“All around the world, young people deserve the chance to live healthy lives, to go to school, to dream and to live out those dreams,” she said. “Young people deserve to hear the guns fall silent.”

The event concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony in honour of those who have died in conflict, and a minute’s silence led by UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir. 

NICOSIA 26 September 2017 - As UNFICYP’s sectors and units undergo regular rotation, thorough training for incoming Military Observer and Liaison Officers (MOLO) and Sector Civil Affairs and Military Liaison Officers (SCAMLO) is critical to establishing and maintaining good relationships with their counterparts on the island, which in turn allows them to address any arising issues at the lowest level and using peaceful means. 

UNFICYP’s latest MOLO/SCAMLO training course took place at the UN Protected Area between 19 and 21 September. The aim of the course was to make the new officers aware of the political, operational and legal framework in which they will operate, to familiarize them with their daily duties and to provide guidance on how to resolve possible issues to de-escalate potentially difficult situations in the most suitable manner. 

The course includes practical scenarios as well as theoretical lessons. The aim of this exercise was to give the officers practice in responding to incidents they may encounter during their UNFICYP tour. It included simulation exercises featuring officers taking on roles as police, hunters, military forces, UNPOL, etc... 
All officers successfully accomplished the course and received their certificates from the Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, at UNFICYP HQ on 21 September; the Force Commander expressed his appreciation for the excellent work the course organizers had done. 

Many thanks to HQ Liaison officers Lt. Col. Andreas Duerr and Lt. Col. Andrej Cucvara, who, supported by the MOLOs and SCAMLOs from the Sectors, executed an excellent course.

NICOSIA, 2 October 2017 - As part of efforts to support peace building and peace education in Cyprus, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, yesterday attended a stakeholders’ meeting on the IMAGINE Project, an initiative implemented by the Association for Historical Dialogue & Research (AHDR) and the Home For Cooperation.

Funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and supported by the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Education and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP),the IMAGINE Project is based on a holistic understanding of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, and aims to increase contact and cooperation between students of the two communities in Cyprus. Among other things, the Project aims to tackle racism, discrimination and xenophobia, while promoting equality and tolerance.

In attendance at the stakeholders’ meeting, held at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone, were the Coordinators of the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Education, Mr. Michalinos Zembylas and Ms Meltem Onurkan Samani, the German Ambassador to Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Franz Josef Kremp, Mr. Loizos Loukaidis, coordinator of the IMAGINE Project, officials from AHDR, the Home for Cooperation, PeacePlayers International - Cyprus, UNFICYP and a number of education-focused trade unions from both communities.

In her remarks, SRSG Spehar congratulated the heads of the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Education for their commitment to the Project, as well as AHDR and the Home for Cooperation for implementing it and ensuring high-level support from both sides. She also expressed her appreciation to Germany for its support of this important initiative.

SRSG Spehar further emphasized the importance UNFICYP places on the IMAGINE Project and committed the Mission’s continued support for it.

“Education can be a real game changer in how young people perceive each other and their future,” she added.

Other speakers highlighted the need for increased contact and cooperation between children from both communities, as well as the fact that developing the Project was not an easy task, but each step forward brought the island closer to an island-wide culture of peace and non-violence.

The pilot phase of the IMAGINE project was successfully completed in June 2017. It was implemented in two stages: in the first stage, experienced trainers visited the participating groups of students in both communities to facilitate activities that dealt with stereotypes, extremism and intolerance and prepared them for bi-communal contact at the H4C. In the second stage, groups of students from the two communities were paired and met in the buffer zone where they participated in either peace education workshops with the AHDR or sports activities with PeacePlayers International. The project will continue in the current school year (2017-2018) to include more primary and secondary school students from the two educational systems.

Nicosia, 4 October 2017 – At 10:50 am this morning, an UNFICYP vehicle carrying humanitarian supplies departed Nicosia for Greek Cypriot communities in the Karpas, as has been regular practice for close to four decades. UNFICYP was obliged to limit today’s delivery to medical aid supplies, following the Turkish Cypriot administration’s unilateral decision to impose taxes and fees on other humanitarian goods. 

UNFICYP regrets the decision taken by the Turkish Cypriot administration, which it considers to be an unfortunate development. The Mission’s role of delivering humanitarian assistance to Greek Cypriot and Maronite communities in the northern part of the island is based on a longstanding agreement between the sides known as Vienna III, and provides hundreds of elderly and other vulnerable people with basic supplies on a weekly basis.

UNFICYP stands ready to assist the sides to reach a mutually acceptable solution, with the interests of the affected communities in mind.

End.  

For media enquiries, contact
UNFICYP Public Information Officer 
Keisha Rukikaire
Office: +357 22 61 4634 
Mobile: +357 99 723326 - +90-533 8395048
Email: rukikaire@un.org 

NICOSIA, 10 October 2017 - Through August and September, UNFICYP underwent its regular bi-annual rotation, during which the Force’s troop contributing countries rotate their contingents in Cyprus.

On 23 August, Argentina-led Sector 1, held a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at San Martin Camp, Sector HQ, where Lt. Col. Juan Pablo de la Vega was formally replaced by Lt. Col. Diego Ignacio Berra. The handover was formalized with the delivery of the Argentinian national flag to the flagman of the 50th Argentinean Contingent.

Next up was Slovak-led Sector 4; after a year as Sector 4 Commander, Lt. Col. Rudolf Estok officially handed over command of the Sector to Lt. Col. Jaroslav Marko and Hungarian Deputy Sector Commander, Lt. Col. Ferenc Kozula at a ceremony at the Sector’s headquarters, Camp General Stefanik, on 7 September. During the event, the new Sector Commander assured UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir of his determination to ensure the continuity of the high peacekeeping standards maintained by the outgoing troops.

Finally, on 28 September, 7 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps – who were led by Lt. Col. Steven Cornell for the duration of their tour – handed over the command of British-led Sector 2 to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, headed by Sector Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Dom Coombes, during a ceremony at Ledra Palace Hotel.

General Humayun paid tribute to all departing contingents, thanking them for their contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts during their service in Cyprus, and wishing them success as they returned to their home countries. He also wished the new Sector Commanders and their troops patience and success as they dealt with the demanding operational environment of the UNFICYP mission. 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, flanked by photographer Petros Karadjias and the founder and project manager of the initiative, Anna Prodromou, at the opening of a photographic exhibition, "Women in Conflict Zones", held at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone on 19 October 2017. UNFICYP/Daniel Dobrovsky

NICOSIA, 19 October 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, today attended the opening of a photographic exhibition, "Women in Conflict Zones", held at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone.

This exhibition is the third part of an initiative that focuses directly on the issue of women’s rights and civic participation, and featured a powerful series of photographs by Cypriot photographer Petros Kardjias.

The aim is to raise awareness of women’s often unrecognized civic contribution and to promote women activists whose strive towards transparency, justice and peace.

The exhibition continues until 22 October 2017 from 17.00 to 21.00. To see some of the powerful images on show, visit:http://www.womeninconflictzones.com/815-2/

NICOSIA, 20 October 2017 – The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) held its bi-annual UNPOL Medal Parade on 20 October, with UN Police personnel receiving UN medals in the service of peace. It was also the last Medal Parade with Col. Andrii Sachavo (Ukraine) at the helm of UNPOL.

UNPOL has been an integral part of this Mission since its establishment in 1964, and is crucial to the effective implementation of our mandate. UNPOL contributes to the maintenance and restoration of law and order in the buffer zone and cooperates with UNFICYP’s Military and the Civil Affairs components regarding civilian activity in the buffer zone, humanitarian matters and assisting a return to normal conditions within the buffer zone.

“To our medal recipients today, I want to say thank you. Yours is not an easy task, and has been even more challenging recently, with more demonstrations than usual in the buffer zone in relation to the political negotiations,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, said at the event. “We are grateful for your continued professionalism, even as UNPOL’s responsibilities have surged.”

Bidding farewell to Col. Sachavo at the ceremony, attended by a number of Ambassadors, Cypriot officials and members of the UN family, SRSG Spehar thanked him for his “competent leadership, strong organizational skills and a high sense of dedication to duty”.

“Andrii, I would like to personally thank you for your significant contribution to UNFICYP and to peace in Cyprus, and to wish you the very best as you return to Ukraine,” she added. “I have no doubt you will continue to use your experience and professionalism to make positive contributions, be they in the national or international context. I know that I speak for many in the Mission when I say that you will be dearly missed.”

In his remarks, Col. Sachavo thanked the UN for the opportunity to serve the UN and the cause of peace in Cyprus.

Col. Sachavo first joined UNFICYP as a Civil Affairs Police Liaison Officer, before briefly returning to his native Ukraine in 2012 and rejoining the Mission later that same year as Deputy Senior Police Advisor. In November 2014, he took up the position of Senior Police Advisor, a position he has held for the last three years.

Col. Sachavo will be replaced by Ms. Ann-Kristin Kvilekval of Norway, who has been selected as the next Senior Police Advisor in UNFICYP, and begins her tenure on 1 November 2017.

NEW YORK, 24 October 2017 - Our world faces many grave challenges.

Widening conflicts and inequality.

Extreme weather and deadly intolerance.

Security threats – including nuclear weapons.

We have the tools and wealth to overcome these challenges. All we need is the will.

The world’s problems transcend borders.

We have to transcend our differences to transform our future.

When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable and just world.

On United Nations Day, let us, ‘We the Peoples’, make this vision a reality.

Thank you.  Shokran.  Xie Xie.  Merci.  Spasibo.  Gracias.  Obrigado. Yet

António Guterres

Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, friends,

Thank you all for coming here this evening, as we celebrate one of the most important days on the UN’s global calendar. UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, the date the United Nations officially came into being.

I am pleased to recognize so many familiar faces in attendance tonight, and feel honoured that so many of you were able to take time out of your busy schedules to join us, as you do time and time again. I am especially pleased to see quite a few of you joining us from across the island: this year we made a special effort to reach out to partners and associates residing and working in places beyond Nicosia; after all, the UN is here for all of Cyprus. 

In his UN Day message, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres evokes a world that faces numerous, serious challenges, such as widening conflicts and inequality; extreme weather; growing intolerance; and multiple security threats. But, he adds, we have the tools and the wealth to overcome these challenges. All we need is the will.

One of the Secretary-General’s key points in his message of today is that “We have to transcend our differences to transform our future”. I think we can all reflect on this message, which resonates deeply in this region, including Cyprus. 

In the aftermath of Crans-Montana, the Secretary-General has called on the parties to the Cyprus problem to reflect on the outcome of the recent talks and on the possible way ahead. He has reiterated the UN’s readiness to assist the sides, should they jointly decide to engage in such a process with the necessary political will.  

We know that since the closure of the Conference on Cyprus a few months ago, many of you are still coming to terms with dashed hopes and uncertainty about the future. But we should not be discouraged. The people of this island can achieve unity and a better future if they invest in building a constituency for peace. Peace is indeed built from the ground up, and the leaders need broad and consistent support from across civil society to bring the peace process to a successful conclusion. In this regard, I am encouraged by the efforts of so many on this island who are reaching across the divide, seeking to understand the other’s perspective, bridge differences and prove that what brings the communities of Cyprus together, vastly exceeds what separates them. 

Cyprus is in the midst of a turbulent region and in many respects, as the Secretary-General has noted, we are living in a turbulent world. The most difficult challenges that we are facing transcend oceans and borders and therefore demand effective, global responses. It reminds us that the UN’s role remains paramount and we must be up to the task. 

This is one reason why, from the earliest days of his tenure, Secretary-General Guterres has focused on developing a series of ambitious reforms for the Organization.
On peace and security, he is rethinking the way the UN addresses crises, proposing ways for the system to work more coherently and effectively as a whole. Peace operations on the ground are also being reviewed to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness, including UNFICYP.

But perhaps Secretary-General Guterres’ boldest reform is the gender parity strategy. The UN must lead by example and, from entry positions to the highest level of responsibility, women must be fully and equally represented in the organization. As part of his strategy, the Secretary-General has made a commitment to reach parity among senior leaders by 2021, and ultimately across the UN system in 2028. 

I am pleased to say that the UN in Cyprus has made notable strides towards gender parity, whether in UNFICYP, the Good Offices, or the wider Country Team. Our former Force Commander was the formidable General Kristin Lund, and I am pleased to announce that Norway will send us very soon a no-less formidable female Senior Police Adviser, Ann-Kristin Kvilekval, to head the UN Police component in UNFICYP. 

As we celebrate UN Day, please allow me to recall the various contributions of the UN in Cyprus and to pay tribute to my colleagues. First of all, I would like to acknowledge the role of our peacekeepers – military, police and civilian – who patrol the buffer zone, keep the peace, bridge differences, build confidence and work to foster greater understanding between the communities. 

I would particularly like to thank UNFICYP’s troop and police contributing countries - - 36 nations have contributed, since 1964, either troops, police, or both to the mission - - and pay special tribute to the 186 personnel who have lost their lives in the service of peace on the island.

I must underscore the important work of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices, where I also serve as Deputy Special Advisor. Our former Special Advisor, Espen Barth Eide, and the entire good offices team, worked tirelessly over the past few years in support of the negotiations. We continue to be at the ready to facilitate a viable negotiation process and rely on the parties to decide on that path.

UNHCR is playing a vital role in working with the authorities in their response to the difficult plight of migrants and refugees who are arriving on Cypriot shores, and UNDP continues to work across the divide to foster results-oriented bi-communal projects, including the key conservation works implemented alongside the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage and the EU. I should also mention the key role of the UN Third Member of the Committee on Missing Persons, who contributes to the work of this essential institution. To all of you, my thanks for being such an integral and valuable part of the UN family in Cyprus. 

But my deepest thanks go to our many partners and friends from this island, the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as well as Armenians, Latins, Maronites and all others who make up the marvellous fabric of Cyprus. We appreciate the constructive interaction and mutual respect that have characterized our relations over the decades and do not take them for granted. Only on that basis can we play an effective role. We also strongly appreciate the good relations that we have developed throughout the years with the many vibrant representatives of the international community. 

Today we commemorate the founding of the United Nations as an organization. The UN is not merely a collection of peacekeeping or political missions, agencies, or even governments. The UN’s Charter begins in the name of “we the peoples of the United Nations”. It reaffirms the dignity and worth of every human being, respect for human rights and the equal rights of men and women, and a commitment to social and economic progress. We are all the people described in the Charter, and each have a role to play in lifting up our fellow human beings, especially at such a tumultuous time for the world. We ourselves have to work on transcending our differences to transform our future. 

On United Nations Day, let all of us make this vision a reality.

Thank you, and Happy United Nations Day!

Nicosia, 27 October 2017 – Big Game Hunting Season starts on 5th of November. UNFICYP would like to remind hunters that hunting in the buffer zone is strictly prohibited. Entering the buffer zone area in order to perform any kind of hunting activities, including, but not limited to, those contemplating the use of weapons and/or dogs, runs the risk of drawing fire from either of the opposing forces, and is therefore dangerous and irresponsible.

In this context, it should be stressed that hunters wearing camouflage outfits and/or carrying weapons are easily mistaken for soldiers. Firing guns in the area between the ceasefire lines causes tension because soldiers on duty cannot immediately determine where the shots have come from and may feel obliged to react.

Moreover, in the past, some hunters with loaded weapons have proved to be a hazard to each other, to members of the nearby villages and to UNFICYP patrols in the buffer zone. Those found to be endangering and/or demonstrating aggressive behaviour against United Nations peacekeepers and others will be immediately reported to the competent police and judiciary authorities in view of prompt and proper prosecution in accordance with the law.

End.  

For media enquiries, contact
UNFICYP Spokesperson 
Aleem Siddique
Office: +357 22 61 4408 
Mobile: +357 996 16197 - +90-533 8800386
Email: siddiquea@un.org

NICOSIA, 30 October 2017 - Over the month of October, UNFICYP’s flight unit – UN Flight - underwent its scheduled rotation, with nine pilots and technicians completing their mission and returning to Argentina.

In turn, nine officers have joined UN Flight, most of whom have previously been deployed with UNFICYP and quickly took up the daily activities of the unit.

Some of the activities of the unit include aerial reconnaissance activities with Mobile Force Reserve staff and each of the sectors in which the buffer zone is divided, aero medical evacuation exercises with Medical Centre staff, as well as new capabilities such as air cargo transfer.

Aerial photography missions are carried out by each sector of the buffer zone in order to ensure regularly updated images of all the areas of interest of UNCIFYP.
In addition, the unit conducts night flights, which allow the crews to act quickly in response to each sector’s needs.

UN Flight is currently under the command of Lt Col Hugo Alvarez of the Argentinian Air Force.

Nicosia, 1 November 2017 – As mandated by the Security Council in its resolution 2369 (2017), a team from United Nations headquarters will visit Cyprus from 2 to 7 November 2017 to conduct a strategic review of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNIFCYP).  The team will conduct a rigorous evidence-based assessment of the impact of UNFICYP activities, in order to develop recommendations on how the Mission can be optimally configured to implement its existing mandate.

The review team will be led by an external expert, Mr. Wolfgang Weisbrod-Weber, and include approximately 10 United Nations staff from the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations, Field Support, Political Affairs and Safety and Security. During its visit to Cyprus, the team will meet with United Nations officials in Cyprus, as well as relevant stakeholders on both sides of the island, representatives of the diplomatic community and civil society.

Following the visit, the team will convey its findings and recommendations to the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations, Field Support, and Political Affairs. As requested by the Security Council in its resolution 2369 (2017), the Secretary-General will submit a report on the results of the review to the Security Council by 27 November 2017.

End.  

For media enquiries, contact
UNFICYP Spokesperson 
Aleem Siddique
Office: +357 22 61 4408 
Mobile: +357 996 16197 - +90-533 8800386
Email: siddiquea@un.org

Nicosia, 3 November 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, yesterday attended and made remarks at the 13th Annual Cyprus Summit, held at the Hilton Park Hotel in Nicosia on 1 and 2 November, and organized by The Economist.

Other speakers at this year’s event, held under the theme ‘Europe on the move – Cyprus in the fast lane?’, included the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Nicos Anastasiades, the IMF’s resident representative in Cyprus, Mr. Vincenzo Guzzo, the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, H.E. Ms. Kathleen Doherty, as we all as number of other senior figures from government and the private sector.

After a brief review of recent developments, SRSG Spehar spoke about some of the initial lessons learned from the 2015 to 2017 round of negotiations.

She noted that courageous and determined leadership is critical to successful peace processes, with credit due to Mr. Anastasiades, Mr. Akıncı, and their predecessors for leading the process to an advanced stage.

“The second lesson is the importance of building a constituency for peace and the role of local actors in this endeavour. As we have observed time and again all over the world, peace is indeed built from the ground up,” SRSG Spehar said. 

“The leaders need broad and energetic support from across society to push forward for a deal and to make it a reality. In this regard, I am encouraged by the efforts of so many on this island who are reaching across the divide, seeking to understand their fellow Cypriots, bridging differences, and proving that what brings the communities of Cyprus together, vastly exceeds what separates them,” she added. “But a lot more needs to be done to explain the benefits of a solution, change mindsets and build a shared vision for the future. A peace process needs to land on fertile soil.”

Other discussions at the summit focused on a number of areas, from the performance of the Republic of Cyprus’ economy to the impact of Brexit on the European Union and the status of the local financial sector.

For more information on the summit, visit: https://events.economist.com/events-conferences/emea/13th-cyprus-summit/ 

NICOSIA, 3 November 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, along with a team visiting Cyprus to conduct a strategic review of UNFICYP, today paid separate visits to the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı.

Speaking to the media following the meeting with Mr. Anastasiades, SRSG Spehar noted that the mandate of this review was “to see how our Mission can be optimally configured to continue to implement its existing mandate”.

She said the team would present a report to New York in the coming days, while in the following few weeks the Secretary-General would give a report to the UN Security Council.

Read more about the strategic review here: https://unficyp.unmissions.org/strategic-review-unficyp

NICOSIA, 7 Novemer 2017 - On 1 November 2017, Assistant Chief of Police Ann-Kristin Kvilekval of Norway began her duties as UNFICYP’s new Senior Police Advisor.  She brings with her 26 years of policing experience and more than three years of UN peacekeeping mission experience with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).  

Prior to joining UNFICYP, Assistant Chief of Police Kvilekval served as the National Police Directorate Liaison to the Norwegian Joint Head Quarter (NJHQ) for the Armed Forces, with focus on the Emergency Response and Special Advisor to the General at the JFHQ. 

Over the course of her police career, she has occupied various posts including at managerial level, such as International Civil Crisis management team leader of the Norwegian Police University College, Police Liaison Advisor at National Police Directorate and Course Director at the Norwegian Police. Assistant Chief of Police Kvilekval graduated from the Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College, Oslo, and is also working on a Master’s Degree in building a democratic society at the University of Bergen.

The appointment of another woman at senior level within the Mission – UNFICYP currently has a female Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, and, between 2014 and 2016, had the first ever female Force Commander of a UN peacekeeping operation, Major General Kristin Lund – is a reflection of the UN’s commitment to identifying and recruiting highly qualified female experts for leadership positions in peacekeeping missions.

UNFICYP is grateful to our outgoing Senior Police Advisor, Col. Andrii Sachavo of the Ukraine, for his many years of diligent service, and warmly welcomes Assistant Chief of Police Kvilekval to Cyprus!

New York/Vancouver, 15 November 2017 – A UN peacekeeper from South Africa was today awarded the United Nations’ Military Gender Advocate of the Year in Vancouver, Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, presented the award to Major Seitebatso Pearl Block as part of the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial taking place from 14-15 November for her outstanding work on the frontlines of UN peacekeeping.

Created in 2016, the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

“Major Seitebatso is an inspiration to us all and a strong example of how peacekeeping is about our personnel taking personal initiatives and interacting with local communities to help find solutions to their problems, better protecting civilians and, in turn, saving lives,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations.

Serving as an Information Operations Officer with the United Nations Stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) from July 2016 to July 2017, Major Block developed a Mission-wide SMS campaign on conflict-related sexual violence to reach communities who would otherwise not be easily accessible.

Based in the eastern city of Goma, Major Seitebatso interacted extensively with Congolese women, men, girls and boys to better understand their concerns. She invested her personal time to train fellow staff officers and troops to be more aware of gender dynamics within the peacekeeping mission. This led the military component to develop more inclusive community engagement projects as part of the Protection of Civilians strategy combating illegally armed groups in Eastern Congo.

Upon receiving her award, Major Block said she was “honoured and privileged” and hoped the award would encourage other women to serve as peacekeepers. “I knew I had to take action from the many conversations I had with women’s groups. As a peacekeeper, and as a woman, I think we have much to contribute to making the UN more inclusive and in tune with the communities we serve”, she added.

The UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial brings together defence ministers and other senior representatives from more than 80 countries and organizations to discuss the challenges facing UN Peacekeeping including the under-representation of women, and how to work together to find solutions.
Major Block is thirty-two-years-old and married to a fellow South African army officer. They have two daughters and are based in Pretoria.
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NOTE TO THE EDITORS:

The principles within the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) underpin the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. The Resolution provides three provisions, called the “3 Ps.” The first two “Ps” are prevention of conflict and protection of women and their rights during and after conflict. The third “P” is participation and refers to increasing the numbers of women in all mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflict.

In current peacekeeping operations, it is vital that peacekeepers understand how women and men experience conflict differently. The Resolution calls on all actors to adopt a gender perspective to better understand the special needs of women and girls and ensure their participation, protection from and prevention of sexual violence in conflict.

The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UNSCR 1325 within a military context, as nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of peacekeeping missions. The award also raises the profile and understanding of what mainstreaming a gender perspective within a military context in peacekeeping mission means.  

Source: UN Peacekeeping