Nicosia: The adoption by the European Parliament plenary of the resolution on the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on the women and girls of Cyprus is an important moment of historical vindication, Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou, has stressed.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in a written statement following the adoption of the resolution, the Commissioner highlighted the crimes committed by Turkish forces and the long-lasting consequences for gender equality. She noted that fifty-two years later, Europe clearly recognizes that the women and girls of Cyprus have been victims of serious human rights violations. The ongoing occupation continues to affect the lives of thousands, with sexual violence, displacement, loss of loved ones, and enduring trauma remaining significant issues that cannot be ignored or forgotten.
The resolution, she emphasized, sends a strong message that the gender dimension of conflicts must be acknowledged, recorded, and addressed through policies promoting justice, accountability, and support.
Furthermore, she added that the resolution signifies a commitment to ensuring that justice, equality, and protection for women affected by conflicts remain central to European policies. The voices of the women of Cyprus will continue to be heard until they achieve final vindication.
The Commissioner also expressed immense appreciation for the women victims of violence during the Turkish invasion of 1974. She acknowledged that whether they found the strength to bravely testify or kept their pain silent for decades, all the women carry an unbearable personal trauma deserving of absolute respect.
"Those who spoke contributed decisively to highlighting the truth, preserving historical memory, and recognizing the crimes they suffered. Meanwhile, the silence or silencing of those who could not or chose not to speak does not lessen the magnitude of their ordeal. We owe them all deep gratitude, respect, and the commitment that the truth will not be forgotten," she stressed.
The Commissioner extended her gratitude to the rapporteur of the resolution, Greek MEP Eleonora Meleti, Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas, and all members of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, as well as the MEPs who supported this significant initiative.
In conclusion, she thanked civil society organizations and women's organizations "who worked with dedication and absolute respect for the victims to collect and document the testimonies, contributing decisively to highlighting this vital aspect of the Cyprus tragedy. Their persistent and systematic action was crucial in ensuring that the victims' voices reached the European institutions and that today's recognition was made possible."
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.