Philenews

The United Nations as Censors of History

Published January 19, 2026, 07:21
The United Nations as Censors of History

The planned screening of a rare documentary about the 'Women Return' movement in Deryneia was banned by the United Nations, citing that it was not a bicommunal event and that the period was sensitive for the Cyprus issue. The documentary, part of director Stefani Andreou's research, captures the first return march that took place in 1975. This ban raises questions about the role of the United Nations as censors of history, as they appear to avoid references to concepts such as 'return' and 'occupation', preferring the narrative of 'division' and 'reunification'. At the same time, the article denounces the United Nations' tolerance of constructions and fortifications by the occupying army in the so-called dead zone, while banning the screening of a historical documentary.