European Parliament committee adopts resolution on 1974 invasion impact on Cypriot women

On Wednesday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality adopted a resolution addressing the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus for women and girls. The measure passed with 28 votes in favor, four against, and one abstention. The text condemns the ongoing occupation and crimes committed by Turkish forces, including conflict-related sexual violence, forced displacement, and family separation. It characterizes the use of sexual violence as a weapon as a breach of the Geneva Conventions and calls for official accountability, redress, and comprehensive support for survivors. MEPs requested increased EU funding for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and trauma-informed psychosocial services. Furthermore, the resolution supports the resumption of UN-led reunification talks to achieve a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality. It also advocates for the full participation of Cypriot women in future peace processes and the withdrawal of Turkish forces.