Settlement and International Law: The Case of Cyprus

Settlement, the transfer of population to occupied territory, is a violation of international law and may constitute a war crime or a crime against humanity. It is based on the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), the Additional Protocol (1977), and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Settlement changes the demographic composition, violates self-determination, and undermines sovereignty. In Cyprus, the settlement of occupied areas by Turkey for 51 years is considered a war crime.

In times of peace, the transfer of populations across borders may constitute a crime against humanity, according to Article 7 of the ICC Statute, especially if it is part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians.

Hellenism must highlight the settlement of Cyprus by Turkey and act in accordance with international agreements. Greece must take measures to defend its borders and consider the deployment of an international military force in states that cannot effectively guard them.