1 December 2016 – The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in #Cyprus today joined the world in marking World AIDS Day with an event at mission HQ in the buffer zone. 

The event involved staff members lighting candles in memory of those who have lost their lives through HIV-related illnesses as well as in solidarity with those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS around the world. Staff also took part in the hands up for #HIV prevention campaign where their photograph was taken as part of a UNAIDS-organised campaign. 

In attendance were, among others, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief of Mission Support, Mr. Joel Cohen, and Chief of the mission’s Civil Affairs Section, Ms. Faylene Woolley. 

Speaking at the event, SRSG Spehar quoted UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s World AIDS Day message: “During its first decade, affected groups refused to accept inaction, mediocrity and weakness in the AIDS response. Their courage drove progress on securing women and children’s health, lowering the costs of lifesaving drugs and giving voice to the voiceless.,” she said. 

“We must all join together in that same uncompromising spirit. On World AIDS Day, I salute the tireless effort of leaders, civil society, colleagues in the UN and the private sector to advance this cause.”