A/HRC/40/22 61. The Secretary-General welcomed the fact that women had generally been well represented during the most recent round of negotiations. However, he stressed that the participation of women at the negotiating table was only one aspect of the women and peace and security agenda. Furthermore, the process should be designed to incorporate contributions from women in civil society, and the substance of the agreement must be gender-sensitive (S/2018/610, para. 29). On 23 September 2018, several members of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Gender Equality held a meeting in the context of a visit by the co-founders of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, which included a discussion about methods for bringing a gender perspective to any future resumption of the talks (S/2018/919, para. 19). 62. UNFICYP made special efforts to reach out to more women, through the establishment of a series of diverse focus groups aimed at better informing the mission’s implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. Further to the call made by the Security Council, UNFICYP and the Secretary-General’s good offices mission held discussions with civil society representatives, and economic and gender experts, who expressed interest in formulating a plan of action to conduct a gender-sensitive socioeconomic impact assessment (S/2018/676, para. 33; S/2018/919, para. 20). IV. Conclusions 63. Despite the persistent division of Cyprus, there were some positive developments on the question of human rights in Cyprus between 1 December 2017 and 30 November 2018. They included continued bicommunal cooperation and progress (albeit slow) in the search for and identification of missing persons, sustained efforts by civil society actors in building dialogue and cooperation, the long-awaited opening of two new official crossing points, and the restoration of several religious and cultural heritage sites. 64. However, the continued division of the island still hinders the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. OHCHR continues to highlight concerns with regard to the right to life and addressing the question of missing persons, the principle of non-discrimination, freedom of movement, property rights, freedom of religion or belief and cultural rights, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to education. 65. In the light of the current context, it is more important than ever to address the underlying and persisting human rights concerns relating to the division of Cyprus. It is crucial to strengthen efforts for mutual dialogue and trust, and to ensure that a human rights-based approach underpins the political process. In that respect, the work of intercommunal initiatives and civil society is essential, as is the need for consultation and cooperation between the various tracks. Ensuring meaningful women’s participation and the gender-sensitivity of the peace process is also essential. 66. An impartial and in-country human rights capacity could ensure that human rights issues faced by members of all communities in Cyprus are acknowledged and rapidly addressed. It could support effective peacebuilding and ensure that human rights are fully integrated into the peace process. In addition, further visits by special procedure mandate holders are encouraged, including on minority issues, the human rights of internally displaced persons, enforced or involuntary disappearances and the right to education. It is imperative that OHCHR and other relevant actors have access to the whole island and all persons affected and that they enjoy the full cooperation of all parties concerned. 67. All stakeholders are obliged to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people. It is critical that all human rights protection gaps and underlying human rights issues in Cyprus be addressed effectively. 12