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The European Parliament has formally recognised the women and girls of Cyprus as victims of crimes committed during the 1974 Turkish invasion, marking the first time this aspect of the conflict has received official recognition at European Union level.
The decision was approved by an overwhelming majority, with 575 Members of the European Parliament voting in favour and 33 against. The resolution was prepared by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), with Greek MEP Eleonora Meleti acting as rapporteur.
The resolution condemns the 1974 Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of part of Cyprus. It acknowledges that sexual violence was used during the conflict and calls for those affected to receive full recognition, support and compensation. It also calls on Turkey to accept responsibility in accordance with international law.
Speaking during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, Meleti recalled the testimonies she heard from women during a FEMM Committee visit to Cyprus. She said many survivors continued to suffer long after the violence ended because of stigma, isolation and rejection, adding that their experiences should no longer remain unheard or forgotten.
According to Meleti, around 1,500 people, including women, men and children, are believed to have been victims of sexual violence during the events of 1974.
Cypriot MEP Giorgos Georgiou, a member of The Left group, said Cyprus and the European Union have a responsibility to protect the rights, dignity and historical memory of all women in Cyprus.
EPP MEP Loukas Fourlas described the vote as a victory for the women who found the courage to tell their stories. He said the resolution sends a clear message that war crimes and sexual violence must never be forgotten or concealed.
Fourlas also said the decision establishes an important precedent for the recognition of gender-based and sexual violence committed during armed conflicts around the world.
The adoption of the resolution is regarded as an important political and moral acknowledgement of the experiences of women affected by the 1974 invasion. It also places a long-overlooked chapter of Cyprus' modern history firmly on the European agenda, reinforcing efforts to preserve historical memory, recognise victims and support the pursuit of justice.
