European Parliament committee adopts resolution on 1974 conflict-related sexual violence in Cyprus

On Wednesday, the European Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM) adopted a resolution addressing the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Cypriot women and girls. The measure passed with 28 votes in favor, 4 against, and 1 abstention. It officially condemns the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, classifying wartime sexual violence as a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and a weapon of war. The resolution calls for the formal recognition of survivor testimonies, comprehensive support services, and full reparations for victims. MEPs urged the EU to provide increased funding to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and to expand access to trauma-informed psychological care. Additionally, the committee endorsed plans for a memorial in Nicosia and reiterated support for the resumption of UN-led reunification negotiations. The initiative was spearheaded by MEPs Loucas Fourlas and Eleonora Meleti following a fact-finding mission to the island.