A/HRC/43/22 efforts, in particular strengthening the participation of women’s organizations and youth in the process. The Security Council also called upon the leaders to empower the Technical Committee on Gender Equality to meet and develop an action plan supporting women’s participation in peace talks. 68. During the universal periodic review of Cyprus in January 2019, the Government accepted the recommendation to continue to involve more women and young people in public and political life and in the process of rapprochement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities (A/HRC/41/15, para. 139.151; A/HRC/41/15/Add.1, para. 31). 69. The Secretary-General continued to note the need for the greater engagement of women and youth in the peace process. In that context, he welcomed the reconvening of the Technical Committee on Gender Equality on 18 September 2019 for the first time since 2016. Facilitated by the Secretary-General’s good offices mission, the Committee discussed various initiatives, and also acknowledged the need to develop an action plan supporting the participation of women in peace talks, as encouraged by the Security Council in resolution 2483 (2019) (S/2019/883, para. 24). 70. During the reporting period, UNFICYP continued to support intercommunal engagement with civil society across the island, especially those involving women. In particular, ongoing efforts to engage with women outside Nicosia have continued to expand, including through the mobilization of women on issues of concern to them, such as gender-based violence. Of note, in November 2019, women’s groups both in and outside Nicosia participated in strategic meetings with one of the co-founders of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. 71. In addition, organizations on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons from both communities in Cyprus came together on 5 October 2019 for the first bicommunal festival, organized by the civic space project supported by the European Union. The event marked the close cooperation of the organizations, in order to unify the movement for the promotion and protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights across the island. IV. Conclusions 72. Despite the persisting division of Cyprus, numerous actors have continued to work to advance positive developments for the promotion and protection of human rights. During the reporting period, those developments have included sustained interreligious dialogue and capacity-building initiatives under the Faith for Rights framework by the religious leaders and faith communities; expanded activities in the area of peace education; the ongoing revitalization of religious and cultural heritage sites; and cooperation in new areas by groups across the island. In this respect, the work of intercommunal initiatives and of civil society remains essential, as is the need for consultation and cooperation between the various tracks. 73. Nevertheless, the division of Cyprus still hinders the full enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons across the island. OHCHR continues to highlight concerns with regard to the right to life, 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. Challenges have also arisen regarding refugees and migrants, and the right to seek asylum. 74. In light of the current context, it is more important than ever to address the underlying 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 rightsbased approach underpins the political process. Ensuring meaningful participation and the gender-sensitivity of the peace process is also essential. Such efforts can enhance dialogue and conditions conducive for peace, as well as help ensure that peace is sustained. 14