Brussels, Belgium. The European Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning sexual violence committed during the Turkish invasion of 1974, calling for accountability and support for survivors. The resolution was approved by 28 votes to four, with one abstention, following a committee mission to Cyprus and months of examination of testimony relating to women affected by the conflict.
Resolution details
MEPs highlighted the lasting impact of wartime sexual violence on Cypriot women and girls. The resolution states that survivors endured forced displacement, family separation, trauma, social stigma and psychological consequences, while describing sexual violence as a weapon of war and a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.
Calls for support and accountability
The committee called for recognition of survivors, accountability for crimes committed and comprehensive support for victims and their families. It urged the EU to strengthen assistance to the Committee on Missing Persons and expand access to trauma counselling, psychological care and intergenerational healing programmes.
Reparations and memorial plans
MEPs also backed calls for full reparations for victims and endorsed plans for a monument in Nicosia dedicated to women who suffered sexual violence during the conflict. The resolution further supports formal recognition of survivors’ testimonies and experiences.
Broader political context
The text renews support for the resumption of UN-led reunification negotiations and calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus. Greek MEP Eleonora Meleti said the resolution fulfilled a commitment made to survivors during the committee’s visit to Cyprus and ensured that their experiences would be acknowledged at European level.