**Title: True Number of 1974 Child Evacuees ‘May Exceed 5,000’**
The House refugee committee in Cyprus has recently heard claims that the number of unaccompanied children evacuated to Greece between 1974 and 1979 could be significantly higher than previously recorded. Andreas Theodosiou, head of the group "Children that were hosted in Greece in 1974," presented evidence suggesting that the actual figure may exceed 5,000, more than double the official count of 2,000.
During the committee session, Theodosiou explained that the discrepancy in numbers arises from many children leaving Cyprus informally during that tumultuous period. Many were taken by parents, relatives, or others seeking to escape the aftermath of the Turkish invasion, which began in July 1974. These children were not formally registered, leading to a significant underreporting in the official statistics.
Theodosiou noted that the first group of children evacuated to Greece departed on September 21, 1974, with official records indicating that 192 children were on board. However, according to the association’s research, the actual number could have been as high as 600. The children were sent to various locations across Greece, including villages in the Peloponnese, suburbs of Athens, and Thessaloniki.
The association, which has been actively working to identify these unaccompanied minors, has gathered additional findings that remain under documentation and have not yet been made public. Theodosiou emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the experiences of these children, many of whom faced significant hardships during and after their evacuation.
Committee chairman Nikos Kettiros, an MP from the left-wing party Akel, praised the association’s efforts in raising awareness about this lesser-known chapter of Cypriot history. He highlighted the significance of their work, which includes school visits and public events aimed at educating the public about the experiences of these children. Kettiros also announced plans for a museum dedicated to the "child of 1974," which will cover the experiences of minors affected by the war, including those who are missing or victims of violence.
Alma MP Litsa Drousiotou echoed Kettiros's sentiments, stating that there is currently no complete official record or verified figure for the number of unaccompanied children hosted in Greece during this period. She emphasized that this aspect of Cypriot history remains largely unknown to the public and called on the state to take responsibility for ensuring that younger generations are informed about these events.
The committee's ongoing support for the association and other groups representing survivors and victims of the 1974 invasion reflects a broader commitment to acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices faced by those impacted by the conflict. As the association continues its research and advocacy, the hope is to bring greater recognition and understanding to the experiences of the thousands of children who were evacuated during this critical time in Cyprus's history.