A/HRC/31/21 the negotiation process inspired by UNSCR 1325”. The Gender Advisory Team, inter alia, noted that the link between the prevalence of military culture and violence against women had not yet been scrutinized, but that intense militarization was known to create an environment where gender-based violence and sexism were condoned.30 57. In his report of July 2015, the Secretary-General welcomed the decision of the two leaders to establish a bicommunal technical committee on gender equality, including with a view to bringing a more equal understanding of the perspectives of both women and men into the peace process (see S/2015/517, para. 37). Following the inaugural meeting on 6 August 2015, which was attended by the two negotiators of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, the technical committee on gender equality continued to meet on a regular basis. IV. Conclusions 58. During the period under review, there were several positive developments with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights in Cyprus. They include progress in the search for and identification of the remains of missing persons; a significant increase in the number of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots crossing the Green Line; an encouraging level of interreligious communication and cooperation; the completion of several conservation works of cultural heritage sites on the whole island; the establishment of a bicommunal committee on gender equality; and an agreement to create a bicommunal committee on education. 59. While there also were positive initiatives on demining the remaining minefields, both sides have been encouraged to advance a more comprehensive approach to demining within and outside the buffer zone. The continued danger posed by minefields to the right to life illustrates the human rights implications of the protracted conflict in Cyprus. The persistent division of the island still hinders the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including with regard to the question of missing persons, the principle of non-discrimination, freedom of movement, property rights, freedom of religion and cultural rights, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to education. 60. Given the positive momentum surrounding the resumption of the talks and the commitment expressed by the leaders to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement of the question of Cyprus as soon as possible, it is hoped that those efforts will ultimately open avenues to improve the situation of human rights on the whole island. Addressing underlying and persisting human rights issues and concerns should underpin the political dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement. Ensuring adequate women’s participation and the consideration of gender-related issues in the discussions is essential. 61. Further visits by special procedures mandate holders are encouraged, including on cultural rights, 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 30 See www.gat1325.org/#!publications/c21kz. “Complete demilitarization should be among the key aims of an agreement. But if the existence of an army is deemed necessary, military service should be optional and in the service of citizens. A federal army should be open to all groups and integrated at all levels. It should not pit one community against another and should not groom one gender as the protector of another”. 15