Adviser to the President of the Republic on Issues of Promoting Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect for Diversity (MARD)
The Adviser to the President of the Republic on Issues of Promoting Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect for Diversity (MARD) deals with the promotion of the cultivation of full respect for human rights and the acceptance of diversity by all to all since it is a cornerstone of the social philosophy and perception of this Governance.
Multiculturalism and diversity are now a wealth of European societies. They are fundamental principles of the European Union and driving forces in the path to European integration. They refer to a set of conscious practices that recognize and accept the different. Today, the values of the European Union promote a better public understanding of the social benefits of diversity and the fight against discrimination against individuals on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religious or other beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender characteristics or other characteristics.
Multiculturalism concerns the creative coexistence of many elements including different cultures such as language, arts, education, science, institutions, technology and others.
"Diversity" means more than recognition and/or tolerance of difference - it is a set of conscious practices that include:
- Understanding and appreciating the interdependence of humanity, cultures and the natural environment.
- Practice mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.
- Understanding that diversity includes not only different ways of being, but also different ways of understanding.
- Recognition that personal, cultural and institutionalised discrimination creates and maintains privileges for some, creating and maintaining, at the same time, disadvantages for others.
- Create alliances between differences so that we can work together to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
The role of the MARD Advisor
The main role of the Adviser to the President of the Republic on issues of Promoting Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect for Diversity (MARD) is to inform the President of the Republic on issues related to Multiculturalism and Diversity, while at the same time coordinating and supporting Ministries and government agencies for optimal treatment of issues related to his responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of mitigating discrimination and consolidating a culture of understanding and acceptance for the different. It works closely with non-governmental organisations and other social partners, and where necessary supports human rights defenders by ensuring that they can operate in a safe environment.
Costa Gavrielides, as MARD Advisor to the President, carries out his duties voluntarily, without pay.
The main tasks and principles governing his work are:
- Promote actions aimed at protecting human rights in general and in particular on issues that promote diversity.
- Strengthen laws and systems that protect and promote social inclusion and include vulnerable groups and minorities.
- Promote and strengthen the positions of human rights defenders and the people they represent, facilitating their access to government services.
- Promote accountability for any violations where they are detected before they cause any displeasure of independent supervisory bodies, domestic and international.
- Building strong links with stakeholders, such as international networks, NGOs or progressive enterprises, with the aim of improving existing situations. In this context, close cooperation with Ministries, and government agencies is required.
The role of the Adviser to the President in relation to the Anti-Discrimination Authority under the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection
The Anti-Discrimination Authority under the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection acts as a National Independent Authority. Its main objective is to supervise and intervene in matters concerning both the public and private sectors and to inform international and local for a about the actions of Cyprus, while recording the country's human rights situation internationally.
On the contrary, the MARD Advisor, acts on behalf of the President of the Republic and acts with the aim of solving problems before they need to reach the Independent Authority, with which he cooperates closely.