Humanitarian tragedy of missing persons
29.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002293/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Loucas Fourlas (PPE)
I am writing to the Commission on the occasion of the Day of Missing Persons, as designated by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus to commemorate 29 October 1974: the final day of the occupying army’s prisoner releases, when the last of their prisoners were set free.
I would like to remind you that, for hundreds of families of missing persons, the tragedy of trying to ascertain the fate of their loved ones continues. This is a humanitarian issue that has remained unresolved for 50 years, causing unspeakable pain and sadness to the relatives of the missing and to Cypriot society as a whole.
The European Union, as a protector of human rights, must take action to bring this crime to an end.
In view of the EU’s actions to support efforts to find and identify missing persons, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.How does it intend to further pressure Türkiye to grant access to the occupying army’s archives, which contain valuable information?
- 2.What other initiatives can the Commission take to strengthen investigations and support the relatives of missing persons?
Submitted: 29.10.2024