A resolution has been approved by the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, focusing on the long-term impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on women and girls in Cyprus.
The proposal, along with an oral question to the European Commission, was adopted on Wednesday with 28 votes in favour, four against and one abstention.
Impact of invasion on women highlighted
The text condemns the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, as well as crimes allegedly committed by Turkish forces.
It highlights the severe and lasting consequences for Cypriot women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence, forced displacement, family separation, psychological trauma, stigma and long-term social and economic impacts.
The committee also strongly condemns the use of sexual violence as a weapon, describing it as a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Calls for accountability and survivor support
The resolution calls for recognition, accountability, reparations and comprehensive support for survivors and their families.
It also urges strengthened EU support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, as well as expanded victim-centred services, including trauma-informed counselling, psychosocial support and programmes addressing intergenerational trauma.
Renewed call for Cyprus talks and troop withdrawal
MEPs are calling for the immediate resumption of UN-led talks for the reunification of Cyprus and the withdrawal of all Turkish troops from the island.
They reiterate support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, as the only viable solution to the Cyprus issue.
The proposal also stresses the need for full and meaningful participation of Cypriot women in all peace processes.
Memorial and recognition initiatives
Lawmakers also support plans for a memorial in Nicosia honouring women victims of sexual violence, alongside official recognition of survivor testimonies.
Following the vote, rapporteur Eleonora Meleti said the committee’s mission to Cyprus last year shaped the initiative, stressing that survivors’ voices must be central to EU action.
She added that 52 years after the invasion, many women still carry trauma linked to violence, displacement and silence, and that it is the EU’s responsibility to remember, act and support survivors.
Proposal to go to full plenary vote
The oral question and draft resolution will now be submitted to a forthcoming European Parliament plenary session for debate and a final vote.
Also read: Nicosia at UN: Turkish policies limit Turkish Cypriot freedoms too
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