Report on Sexual Violence Against Women During the 1974 Invasion of Cyprus
March 22, 2026
During the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, approximately 700 women were raped, a fact that has remained hidden for decades due to social stigma. A report from the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality highlights the severity of sexual violence related to the conflict. MEP Loukas Fourlas presented the report to the UN Secretary-General, calling for justice and recognition for the victims. The Committee's mission recorded testimonies from women who suffered, emphasizing the urgent need for action and support from the international community. The next step will involve submitting a resolution to the European Parliament's plenary session.