At the Eurochild 2026 Conference in Paphos, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou outlines the government's push for rights-based, inclusive social protection that shifts from reactive to early intervention.

A Moral Mandate in Paphos

The government of Cyprus, under the leadership of President Nicos Christodoulides, firmly believes that protecting children goes beyond policy formulation and it is a moral responsibility and a measure of our society's maturity, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said Tuesday, delivering a speech on behalf of the President at Eurochild’s 2026 Conference “Social Protection Systems”. The Conference took place in the coastal towm of Paphos, in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Addressing Europe-Wide Gaps

The Minister noted that across Europe, we continue to witness serious gaps: preventive services remain insufficient, vulnerable groups encounter barriers in accessing support, and coordination between sectors such as education, health, justice, and social welfare is often inadequate. "These challenges require collective responsibility and coordinated solutions. Our shared compass remains the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This landmark Convention obliges us not only to protect children from harm, but to ensure their right to participation, development, and non-discrimination. Social protection systems must therefore be rights-based, inclusive, and centred on the best interests of the child," she said.

The Institutional Framework in Cyprus

Michaelidou went on to say that in Cyprus safeguarding children’s rights is supported by strong institutional frameworks and praised the role of the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights and the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Welfare of Children. She noted that the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth recognizes that education systems are central pillars of social protection, pointing out that schools are often the first place where signs of vulnerability become visible , whether related to poverty, domestic violence, mental health challenges, or social exclusion.

Calls for Transformation

"The European framework provides us with direction. The 2024 Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems and the European Child Guarantee call for prevention, family- and community-based care, equal access to services, and cross-sectoral coordination. These are not merely policy documents, they are calls for transformation," she said. She went on to note that Cyprus remains committed to reinforcing preventive approaches, strengthening family- and community-based support, and ensuring equal access to quality services for all children. She also referred to the role of Cyprus Children’s Parliament, which provides a structured platform for children to express their views and influence decision-making processes.

Moving Beyond Reactive Responses

"Social protection systems must move beyond reactive responses. They must prioritise early intervention, invest in trained professionals, ensure adequate resources, and eliminate discrimination in access to services. Above all, they must uphold the dignity of every child," she said. The Minister also said that Cyprus stands ready to contribute actively to advancing integrated, rights-based, and inclusive social protection systems at both national and European levels.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)