The document, prepared by the European Parliament, records testimonies and evidence relating to sexual violence and other abuses committed against women during the conflict.
Meeting at the United Nations
Fourlas travelled to New York as a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), which participated in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
During meetings with UN officials, the European Parliament delegation also met with Guterres, where Fourlas briefed the UN Secretary-General on the FEMM committee’s mission to Cyprus examining the issue of women abused during the 1974 invasion by Turkish forces.
He presented the report to the UN chief and called for stronger international attention to the issue.
Call for recognition and justice
Fourlas urged the United Nations to contribute more actively to highlighting what he described as the historical truth and to support international recognition of crimes committed against Cypriot women.
“The victims of sexual violence during the invasion deserve justice, recognition and support from the international community,” he said.
The report includes testimonies and documented evidence detailing acts of violence and other inhumane treatment against Cypriot women during the invasion.
A historical record of unresolved trauma
According to Fourlas, the report constitutes an important historical record shedding light on one of the most painful and unresolved aspects of Cyprus’ modern history.
He stressed the importance of continued international recognition of crimes committed against women in times of conflict, arguing that justice, memory and historical truth are essential foundations for reconciliation and peace.
The Cypriot MEP also informed the UN Secretary-General that work is underway in the European Parliament on a resolution addressing the issue.