The need for concrete action in support of survivors and for ending impunity for conflict related sexual violence was underlined by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, who spoke, on Wednesday, at the UN Security Council open debate on the women, peace and security agenda. She noted that during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus hundreds of women and girls, as well as men and boys were subjected to sexual violence by Turkish troops,” adding that “the suffering of those survivors remains an open wound for Cypriot society.”

Ambassador Michail congratulated the Democratic Republic of the Congo for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and expressed Cyprus’ appreciation for convening the debate. She also welcomed the participation of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, for her briefing, reiterating Cyprus’ “full support” for her mandate.

She said that the UN Secretary-General’s latest report “once again reminds us of the alarming scale and brutality of conflict related sexual violence.”

The Permanent Representative referred to Cyprus’ own experience, saying that, “as a victim of foreign military invasion and ongoing occupation by Turkey for over five decades,” the country knows “firsthand the devastating and long lasting consequences of conflict related sexual violence”.

“During the 1974 Turkish invasion, hundreds of women and girls, as well as men and boys were subjected to sexual violence by Turkish troops,” she stressed, adding that “the suffering of those survivors remains an open wound for Cypriot society.”

According to Ambassador Michail, this experience continues to strengthen Cyprus’ “unwavering commitment” to recognition, justice, accountability and support for survivors everywhere.

She also referred to the “adoption of a dedicated resolution by the European Parliament condemning the sexual violence committed by the Turkish troops during the invasion, and calling for accountability and support for survivors,” describing it as “an important step towards preserving historical memory and raising awareness at the European and international level”.

Ambassador Michail stressed that Cyprus “unequivocally condemns all forms of gender based violence online and offline, including conflict related sexual violence”.

“These crimes continue to be used as tactics of war, terrorism, torture and political repression,” she said, noting that they devastate lives and communities while undermining prospects for sustainable peace.

She also recalled that “rape and other forms of sexual violence may constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity or acts of genocide under international law,” adding that accountability for these crimes is “not only a legal obligation, but also a prerequisite for prevention and lasting peace.”