European Parliament adopts resolution on 1974 sexual violence in Cyprus

On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding sexual violence against Cypriot women and girls during the 1974 Turkish invasion. The document passed with 575 votes in favor, 33 against, and 43 abstentions. It calls for accountability for perpetrators, support for survivors, and the recognition of these acts as violations of the Geneva Conventions and human rights. The report highlights that sexual violence was used as a weapon of war and led to long-term social stigma and trauma. During an open debate at the UN Security Council on the same day, Cyprus's Permanent Representative Maria Michael underscored the necessity of ending impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. Greek MEP Eleonora Meleti, who led the report, emphasized that the resolution gives voice to victims who remained silent for over 50 years. While the majority supported the measure, some MEPs questioned the linkage of a geopolitical conflict with gender mainstreaming directives. Turkey's ongoing occupation of the northern part of the island remains a central point of the resolution's condemnation.