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{{about|the 2011 convention on violence against women|the 1990 WTO Convention on Temporary Admission|ATA Carnet#The Istanbul Convention}} |
{{about|the 2011 convention on violence against women|the 1990 WTO Convention on Temporary Admission|ATA Carnet#The Istanbul Convention}} |
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{{other uses|Treaty of Constantinople (disambiguation){{!}}Istanbul Treaty}} |
{{other uses|Treaty of Constantinople (disambiguation){{!}}Istanbul Treaty}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}{{Use British English|date=April 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} |
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{{Use British English|date=April 2020}} |
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{{Infobox treaty |
{{Infobox treaty |
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| name = Istanbul Convention |
| name = Istanbul Convention |
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{{Col-begin}} |
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{{Col-2}} |
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{{legend|#00AA00|Signed and ratified}} |
{{legend|#00AA00|Signed and ratified{{#tag:ref|1. The [[European Union]] is also a signatory and a ratifier.|group="note"}}}} |
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{{legend|#EEEE00|Signed, not in force |
{{legend|#EEEE00|Signed, not in force}} |
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{{legend|#FF1111|Not signed (CoE member states){{#tag:ref|Includes non-CoE states that were involved in elaborating the Convention; none of them ([[Canada]], the [[Holy See]] ([[Vatican City]]), [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], [[Russia]], and the [[United States]]) has so far signed the Convention.|group="note"}}}} |
{{legend|#FF1111|Not signed (CoE member states){{#tag:ref|Includes non-CoE states that were involved in elaborating the Convention; none of them ([[Canada]], the [[Holy See]] ([[Vatican City]]), [[Japan]], [[Mexico]], [[Russia]], and the [[United States]]) has so far signed the Convention.|group="note"}}}} |
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{{legend|#800080ff|Former party}} |
{{legend|#800080ff|Former party}} |
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| parties = |
| parties = |
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| signatories=45 states + [[European Union|EU]] |
| signatories=45 states + [[European Union|EU]] |
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| ratifiers = |
| ratifiers =38 states + [[European Union|EU]] |
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| depositor = [[Secretary General of the Council of Europe]] |
| depositor = [[Secretary General of the Council of Europe]] |
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| citations = [[Council of Europe Treaty Series|CETS]] No. [https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/210 210] |
| citations = [[Council of Europe Treaty Series|CETS]] No. [https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/210 210] |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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}} |
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The '''Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence''', better known as the '''Istanbul Convention''', is a [[International human rights instruments|human rights treaty]] of the [[Council of Europe]] opposing [[violence against women]] and [[domestic violence]] which was opened for signature on 11 May 2011, in [[Istanbul]], Turkey. The convention aims at [[prevention of violence]], victim protection and to end the impunity of perpetrators.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Council of Europe|date=2011|title= |
The '''Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence''', better known as the '''Istanbul Convention''', is a [[International human rights instruments|human rights treaty]] of the [[Council of Europe]] opposing [[violence against women]] and [[domestic violence]] which was opened for signature on 11 May 2011, in [[Istanbul]], Turkey. The convention aims at [[prevention of violence]], [[victims' rights|victim protection]] and to end the [[impunity]] of perpetrators.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Council of Europe|date=2011|title=Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence|url=https://rm.coe.int/168008482e|website=Council of Europe Treaty Series - No. 210}}</ref> |
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As of March 2019, it has been signed by 45 countries and the [[European Union]].<ref name="Full_list">{{cite web|title=Full list: Chart of signatures and ratifications of Treaty 210|url=http://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/210/signatures|publisher=Council of Europe|access-date=21 April 2016|archive-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170304122138/http://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/treaty/210/signatures|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 March 2012, [[Turkey]] became the first country to ratify the convention, followed by 37 other countries and the European Union from 2013 to 2024 ([[Albania]], [[Andorra]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Denmark]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]],<ref name="GreeceRatifiesConvention" /> [[Iceland]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[Latvia]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/30.11.2023-saeima-ratifice-stambulas-konvenciju-pec-teju-5-stundu-debatem.a533581/|title=Saeima ratificē Stambulas konvenciju pēc teju 5 stundu debatēm|website=www.lsm.lv|accessdate=3 March 2024}}</ref> [[Liechtenstein]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Malta]], [[Moldova]], [[Monaco]], [[Montenegro]], the [[Netherlands]], [[North Macedonia]], [[Norway]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], [[San Marino]], [[Serbia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Ukraine]], [[United Kingdom]]).<ref name="Full_list" /> The Convention came into force on 1 August 2014.<ref name="Full_list" /> |
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In 2021, Turkey became the first and only country to withdraw from the convention, after denouncing it on 20 March 2021. The convention ceased to be effective in Turkey on 1 July 2021, following its denunciation.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Erdoğan insists it's at his discretion to pull Turkey out of İstanbul Convention|url=https://www.bianet.org/english/women/241444-erdogan-insists-it-s-at-his-discretion-to-pull-turkey-out-of-istanbul-convention|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Bianet - Bagimsiz Iletisim Agi|archive-date=20 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720154110/https://bianet.org/english/women/241444-erdogan-insists-it-s-at-his-discretion-to-pull-turkey-out-of-istanbul-convention|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TURKEY’S WITHDRAWAL FROM ISTANBUL CONVENTION |url=https://lawessential.com/all-blogs/f/turkey%E2%80%99s-withdrawal-from-istanbul-convention?blogcategory=Miscellaneous}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Story by Reuters|date=2021-07-01|title=Turkey formally quits treaty to prevent violence against women|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/01/europe/turkey-istanbul-convention-women-intl/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-01|website=CNN|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701234657/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/01/europe/turkey-istanbul-convention-women-intl/index.html}}</ref> |
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On 1 June 2023 the Council of the European Union approved the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention.<ref>{{cite web |title=Combatting violence against women: Council adopts decision about EU's accession to Istanbul Convention |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/06/01/combatting-violence-against-women-council-adopts-decision-about-eu-s-accession-to-istanbul-convention/ |website=Council of the EU Press release |publisher=Council of the EU |access-date=7 June 2023 |ref=1}}</ref> On 28 June 2023 the European Union ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the "Istanbul Convention".<ref name="coe286">{{cite web |title=The European Union deposited the instrument of approval of the "Istanbul Convention" |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/the-european-union-deposited-the-instrument-of-approval-of-the-istanbul-convention- |date=28 June 2023}}</ref> The Istanbul Convention entered into force in the EU on 1 October 2023, where the "EU member states that have not yet ratified the convention themselves will only be bound by the EU [[acquis]], which implements the convention".<ref>[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/eu-accession-to-the-istanbul-convention.html EU accession to the Istanbul Convention, EUR-Lex]</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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== Main provisions == |
== Main provisions == |
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[[File:Safe from fear safe from violence.webm |
[[File:Safe from fear safe from violence.webm|thumb|Summary of the convention's key issues]] |
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The Istanbul Convention is the first legally-binding instrument which "creates a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women" and is focused on preventing domestic violence, protecting victims and prosecuting accused offenders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120521-malta-signs-convention-on-domestic-violence|work=Malta Star|title=Malta signs convention on domestic violence|access-date=12 September 2012|date=21 May 2012|archive-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007201514/http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120521-malta-signs-convention-on-domestic-violence|url-status=live}}</ref> |
The Istanbul Convention is the first legally-binding instrument which "creates a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women" and is focused on preventing domestic violence, protecting victims and prosecuting accused offenders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120521-malta-signs-convention-on-domestic-violence|work=Malta Star|title=Malta signs convention on domestic violence|access-date=12 September 2012|date=21 May 2012|archive-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007201514/http://www.maltastar.com/dart/20120521-malta-signs-convention-on-domestic-violence|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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It characterizes [[violence against women]] as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination (Art.3(a)). Countries should exercise [[due diligence]] when preventing violence, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators (Art. 5). The convention also contains a definition of [[gender]]: for the purpose of the Convention gender is defined in Article 3(c) as "the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men". Moreover, the treaty establishes a series of offences characterized as violence against women. States which ratify the Convention must criminalize several offences, including: psychological violence (Art.33); stalking (Art.34); physical violence (Art.35); [[sexual violence]], including [[rape]], explicitly covering all engagement in [[non-consensual sex|non-consensual acts of a sexual nature]] with a person (Art.36), [[forced marriage]] (Art.37); [[female genital mutilation]] (Art.38), [[forced abortion]] and [[forced sterilisation]] (Art.39). The Convention states that [[sexual harassment]] must be subject to "criminal or other legal sanction" (Art. 40). The convention also includes an article targeting crimes committed in the name of "[[honour killing|so-called honour]]" (Art. 42).<ref name="Full_list" /> |
It characterizes [[violence against women]] as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination (Art.3(a)). Countries should exercise [[due diligence]] when preventing violence, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators (Art. 5). The convention also contains a definition of [[gender]]: for the purpose of the Convention gender is defined in Article 3(c) as "the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men". Moreover, the treaty establishes a series of offences characterized as violence against women. States which ratify the Convention must criminalize several offences, including: [[psychological abuse|psychological violence]] (Art.33); [[stalking]] (Art.34); physical violence (Art.35); [[sexual violence]], including [[rape]], explicitly covering all engagement in [[non-consensual sex|non-consensual acts of a sexual nature]] with a person (Art.36), [[forced marriage]] (Art.37); [[female genital mutilation]] (Art.38), [[forced abortion]] and [[forced sterilisation]] (Art.39). The Convention states that [[sexual harassment]] must be subject to "criminal or other legal sanction" (Art. 40). The convention also includes an article targeting crimes committed in the name of "[[honour killing|so-called honour]]" (Art. 42).<ref name="Full_list" /> |
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=== Structure === |
=== Structure === |
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[[File:Istanbul Convention English.pdf |
[[File:Istanbul Convention English.pdf|thumb|Clickable English language version of the Istanbul Convention]] |
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The convention contains 81 articles separated into 12 chapters. Its structure follows the structure of the Council of Europe's most recent conventions.<ref>[https://rm.coe.int/arm-2021-coe-istanbul-convention-handbook-for-parliamentarians-eng-081/1680a4cf89 THE ISTANBUL CONVENTION –A POWERFUL TOOL TO ENDGENDER-BASED VIOLENCE]</ref> The structure of the instrument is based on the "four Ps": Prevention, Protection and support of victims, Prosecution of offenders and Integrated Policies. Each area foresees a series of specific measures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-violence/CAHVIO/CAHVIO_2009_4%20FIN_en%20_2.pdf |title=Ad Hoc Committee on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CAHVIO) interim report |publisher=Council of Europe |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004171942/http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-violence/CAHVIO/CAHVIO_2009_4%20FIN_en%20_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The convention also establishes obligations in relation to the collection of data and supporting research in the field of violence against women (Art. 11). |
The convention contains 81 articles separated into 12 chapters. Its structure follows the structure of the Council of Europe's most recent conventions.<ref>[https://rm.coe.int/arm-2021-coe-istanbul-convention-handbook-for-parliamentarians-eng-081/1680a4cf89 THE ISTANBUL CONVENTION –A POWERFUL TOOL TO ENDGENDER-BASED VIOLENCE]</ref> The structure of the instrument is based on the "four Ps": Prevention, Protection and support of victims, Prosecution of offenders and Integrated Policies. Each area foresees a series of specific measures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-violence/CAHVIO/CAHVIO_2009_4%20FIN_en%20_2.pdf |title=Ad Hoc Committee on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CAHVIO) interim report |publisher=Council of Europe |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004171942/http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-violence/CAHVIO/CAHVIO_2009_4%20FIN_en%20_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The convention also establishes obligations in relation to the collection of data and supporting research in the field of violence against women (Art. 11). |
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Five additional members were elected in 2018: Per Arne Håkansson (Sweden), Sabine Kräuter-Stockton (Germany), Vladimer Mkervalishvili (Georgia), Rachel Eapen Paul (Norway) and Aleid van den Brink (Netherlands).<ref>[https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/five-additional-members-joining-grevio Five additional members joining GREVIO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002217/https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/five-additional-members-joining-grevio |date=31 March 2021 }}. Council of Europe.</ref> |
Five additional members were elected in 2018: Per Arne Håkansson (Sweden), Sabine Kräuter-Stockton (Germany), Vladimer Mkervalishvili (Georgia), Rachel Eapen Paul (Norway) and Aleid van den Brink (Netherlands).<ref>[https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/five-additional-members-joining-grevio Five additional members joining GREVIO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002217/https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/five-additional-members-joining-grevio |date=31 March 2021 }}. Council of Europe.</ref> |
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With several GREVIO members finishing their mandates, new elections were held in December of 2023. |
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==Adoption, signature, ratification and denunciation== |
==Adoption, signature, ratification and denunciation== |
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=== General process === |
=== General process === |
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The draft of the convention was adopted by the Council of Europe [[Ministers Deputies]] on 7 April 2011 on the occasion of the 1111th meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016805cd02a|title=Draft Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence| |
The draft of the convention was adopted by the Council of Europe [[Ministers Deputies]] on 7 April 2011 on the occasion of the 1111th meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016805cd02a|title=Draft Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence|access-date=23 March 2021|work=Council of Europe|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002242/https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016805cd02a|url-status=live}}</ref> It opened for signature on 11 May 2011 on the occasion of the 121st Session of the Committee of Ministers in Istanbul. It entered into force following 10 ratifications, eight of which were required to be member states of the Council of Europe. As of December 2015, the convention was signed by 39 states, followed by [[ratification]] of the minimum eight Council of Europe states: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, and Turkey. Later that year, it was ratified by Andorra, Denmark, France, Malta, Monaco, Spain, and Sweden. In 2015, it was ratified also by Finland, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia, and in 2016, by Belgium, San Marino and Romania; in 2017 by Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland, in 2018 by Croatia, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Republic of Macedonia, and in 2019, by Ireland.<ref name="GreeceRatifiesConvention">{{cite web|url=http://www.isotita.gr/%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%83%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%83%CE%B5-%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BA-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CE%BD-4531-2018-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%81%CF%89%CF%83/|title=Publication to the Government Gazette of the ratification, by Greece, of the CoE Convention on violence against women and domestic violence (Original: Δημοσίευση σε ΦΕΚ του Ν.4531/2018 για την κύρωση από την Ελλάδα της Σύμβασης του Σ.τ.Ε. περί έμφυλης και ενδοοικογενειακής βίας)|publisher=Isotita.gr|date=16 April 2018|access-date=12 May 2018|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002239/https://www.isotita.gr/%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%83%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%83%CE%B5-%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BA-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CE%BD-4531-2018-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%81%CF%-89%CF%83/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 June 2017, European Commissioner [[Věra Jourová]] (Gender Equality) signed the Istanbul Convention on behalf of the European Union.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://eige.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/eu-signs-istanbul-convention |title=EU signs the Istanbul Convention |publisher=European Institute for Gender Equality |date=16 June 2017 |access-date=11 February 2019 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002220/https://eige.europa.eu/news/eu-signs-istanbul-convention |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 June 2022 the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian parliament]] ratified the treaty,<ref name="7141621IstanbulConvention">[https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/news/2022/06/20/7141621/ Ukrainian Parliament Votes to Ratify Istanbul Convention], [[European Pravda]] (20 June 2022)</ref> followed in July 2022 by the United Kingdom. States that have ratified the convention are legally bound by its provisions once it enters into force.<ref name="7141621IstanbulConvention"/> |
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28 June 2023 saw the European Union ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the “Istanbul Convention”.<ref name="coe286"/> The convention cane into force in respect of the European Union as of 1 October 2023. |
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The convention can be denounced through a notification to the COE Secretary General (Article 80) and enters into force three months after that notification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/rms/090000168008482e|title=Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence| |
The convention can be denounced through a notification to the COE Secretary General (Article 80) and enters into force three months after that notification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/rms/090000168008482e|title=Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence|access-date=21 March 2021|work=Council of Europe|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320170816/https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/rms/090000168008482e|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Liri Kopachi, Head of Equality Division, Council of Europe.webm|thumb |
[[File:Liri Kopachi, Head of Equality Division, Council of Europe.webm|thumb|Liri Kopachi{{#tag:ref|At the time of this lecture, April 2014, Liri Kopachi was the Head of the Equality Division of the Council of Europe. As she correctly predicted, the Convention entered into force shortly after in August 2014.|group="note"}} on the convention's background and ratification process (2014)]] |
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[[File:Terry Reintke on violence against women.webm|thumb |
[[File:Terry Reintke on violence against women.webm|thumb|MEP [[Terry Reintke]] urging the EU to [[Accession (treaty law)|accede]] the convention (2017){{#tag:ref|There is an error in the video's subtitles as well as in the transcript of this debate on the 'EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence' (held on 11 September 2017 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg). As the context indicates, Reintke meant 'to [[Accession (treaty law)|accede]]', not 'to exceed'; the words are [[homophone]]s. Similarly, Reintke meant '[[promachos|forefighters]]' (meaning 'champions' or 'soldiers who fight in the frontline'), not 'four fighters'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-8-2017-09-11-ITM-019_EN.html |title=EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (debate) |publisher=European Parliament |date=11 September 2017 |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002239/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-8-2017-09-11-ITM-019_EN.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|group="note"}}]] |
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[[File:Stop Istanbulskoj 20180324 DSC 8500.jpg|thumb |
[[File:Stop Istanbulskoj 20180324 DSC 8500.jpg|thumb|[[Željka Markić]] and others urging Croatia not to ratify the convention (2018)]] |
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{{Violence against women}} |
{{Violence against women}} |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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| {{flag|Czech Republic}} || {{Yes|{{dts|2016|5|2|format=dmy}}}} || {{no2}} || {{no2}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|Czech Republic}} || {{Yes|{{dts|2016|5|2|format=dmy}}}} || {{no2}} || {{no2}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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| {{flag|Denmark}}{{#tag:ref|The Convention does not apply to the [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Greenland]].{{ |
| {{flag|Denmark}}{{#tag:ref|The Convention does not apply to the [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Greenland]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}|group="note"}} ||{{dts|2013|10|11|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|4|23|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|8|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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| {{flag|Estonia}} || {{dts|2014|12|2|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2017|10|26|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|2|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|Estonia}} || {{dts|2014|12|2|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2017|10|26|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|2|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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| {{flag|Italy}} || {{dts|2012|9|27|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2013|9|10|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|8|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|Italy}} || {{dts|2012|9|27|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2013|9|10|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|8|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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|- |
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| {{flag|Latvia}} || |
| {{flag|Latvia}} || {{dts|2016|5|18|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2023|11|30|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2024|5|1}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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| {{flag|Liechtenstein}} || {{dts|2016|11|10|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2021|6|17|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2021|10|01|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|Liechtenstein}} || {{dts|2016|11|10|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2021|6|17|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2021|10|01|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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| {{flag|Montenegro}} || {{dts|2011|5|11|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2013|4|22|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|8|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|Montenegro}} || {{dts|2011|5|11|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2013|4|22|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2014|8|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
|- style="background-color: lightgreen" |
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| {{flag|Netherlands}}{{#tag:ref|The Convention does not apply to the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] or to the other countries of the [[Dutch Caribbean]], only to the European part of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]].{{ |
| {{flag|Netherlands}}{{#tag:ref|The Convention does not apply to the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] or to the other countries of the [[Dutch Caribbean]], only to the European part of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}|group="note"}}|| {{dts|2012|11|14|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2015|11|18|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2016|3|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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| {{flag|North Macedonia}} || {{dts|2011|7|8|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|3|23|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|7|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
| {{flag|North Macedonia}} || {{dts|2011|7|8|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|3|23|format=dmy}} || {{dts|2018|7|1|format=dmy}} || {{no2}} |
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=== Countries still to ratify convention === |
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=== Armenia === |
==== Armenia ==== |
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The Armenian government approved the signing of the Convention in the session of |
The [[Government of Armenia|Armenian government]] approved the signing of the Convention in the session of 28 December 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.e-gov.am/sessions/archive/2017/12/28/|title=Կառավարության նիստի օրակարգ|last=|first=|date=January 1, 2018|work=E-gov.am|publisher=|access-date=January 1, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, during the public discussions about the approval of the convention, there were opinions both for and against. A number of politicians and statesmen have stated that it contradicts the [[Constitution of Armenia]]<ref name="Armsputnik Convention">{{Cite web|url=https://eurasianet.org/armenian-government-fighting-for-ratification-of-convention-on-violence-against-women|title=Armenian government fighting for ratification of convention on violence against women | Eurasianet|accessdate=3 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="tert">[https://www.tert.am/am/news/2019/07/05/Convention/3042230 «Ստամբուլյան կոնվենցիան միանշանակ հակասում է ՀՀ Սահմանադրությանը. Գևորգ Դանիելյան»] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707124657/https://www.tert.am/am/news/2019/07/05/Convention/3042230 |date=2019-07-07 }} (''[https://web.archive.org/web/20190707124620/https://www.tert.am/am/news/2019/07/05/Convention/3042230 արխիվացված]'')։</ref> and could result in the idea of having a [[third gender]].<ref name="Armsputnik Convention"/>On1 August 2019, the Deputy Minister [[Kristinne Grigoryan]] of the [[Ministry of Justice (Armenia)|Armenian Ministry of Justice]] released a clarifying statement on the convention, remarking that its purpose is the prevention of violence and not the redefinition of the family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.civilnet.am/news/2019/08/01/Ստամբուլյան-կոնվենցիան-ընտանիքի-կոնցեպտ-չի-սահմանում-արդարադատության-փոխնախարար/365105|title=Ստամբուլյան կոնվենցիան ընտանիքի կոնցեպտ չի սահմանում. արդարադատության փոխնախարար|website=www.civilnet.am|language=hy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922075930/https://www.civilnet.am/news/2019/08/01/%D5%8D%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A2%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%AC%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%AF%D5%B8%D5%B6%D5%BE%D5%A5%D5%B6%D6%81%D5%AB%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%A8%D5%B6%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB%D6%84%D5%AB-%D5%AF%D5%B8%D5%B6%D6%81%D5%A5%D5%BA%D5%BF-%D5%B9%D5%AB-%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%B0%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%A4%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D6%83%D5%B8%D5%AD%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D6%80/365105|archive-date=September 22, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref> The ministry also announced that it had sought guidance from the [[Venice Commission]], a Council of Europe body that advises on legal and constitutional issues, on the "constitutional implications" of the ratification of the convention. Assuming that the Venice Commission rules favorably, Armenia's ratification appears inevitable given the fact that an overwhelming majority of members of parliament support it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eurasianet.org/armenian-government-fighting-for-ratification-of-convention-on-violence-against-women|title=Armenian government fighting for ratification of convention on violence against women|date=2019-07-19}}</ref> |
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Discussions surrounding the ratification were also met with opposition from some members of the public, who accused the |
Discussions surrounding the ratification were also met with opposition from some members of the public, who accused the convention to be intended to legalize [[same-sex marriage]] and spread LGBT "propaganda". According to [[Human Rights Watch]], some officials used derogatory and hateful words against LGBT activists as a result.<ref name="HRWam">{{Cite book|url=https://www.hrw.org/hy/world-report/2021/country-chapters/377313|title=Հայաստան: 2020թ. միջոցառումները|last=Human Rights Watch|date=2020-12-18|language=hy}}</ref> |
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The United Nations Human Rights Council in its 2020 in the report urged Armenia to immediately ratify the Istanbul Convention to effectively protect the well-being of women who experience domestic violence, but also men,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://rm.coe.int/arm-2021-coe-istanbul-convention-handbook-for-parliamentarians-arm-081/1680a4cf88|title=ՍՏԱՄԲՈՒԼՅԱՆ ԿՈՆՎԵՆՑԻԱՆ՝ ԳԵՆԴԵՐԱՅԻՆ ԲՌՆՈՒԹՅԱՆԸ ՎԵՐՋ ԴՆԵԼՈՒ ՀԶՈՐ ԳՈՐԾԻՔ|publisher=Եվրոպայի խորհուրդ|year=2019|location=Ստրասբուրգ|pages=18}}</ref> complaining of insufficient protection for both in existing Armenian legislation.<ref name="HRWam" /> In November 2022, the European Union's ambassador to Armenia, [[Andrea Joana-Maria Wiktorin|Andrea Wiktorin]], urged the Armenian government to speed up proceedings to ratify the |
The United Nations Human Rights Council in its 2020 in the report urged Armenia to immediately ratify the Istanbul Convention to effectively protect the well-being of women who experience domestic violence, but also men,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://rm.coe.int/arm-2021-coe-istanbul-convention-handbook-for-parliamentarians-arm-081/1680a4cf88|title=ՍՏԱՄԲՈՒԼՅԱՆ ԿՈՆՎԵՆՑԻԱՆ՝ ԳԵՆԴԵՐԱՅԻՆ ԲՌՆՈՒԹՅԱՆԸ ՎԵՐՋ ԴՆԵԼՈՒ ՀԶՈՐ ԳՈՐԾԻՔ|publisher=Եվրոպայի խորհուրդ|year=2019|location=Ստրասբուրգ|pages=18}}</ref> complaining of insufficient protection for both in existing Armenian legislation.<ref name="HRWam" /> In November 2022, the European Union's ambassador to Armenia, [[Andrea Joana-Maria Wiktorin|Andrea Wiktorin]], urged the Armenian government to speed up proceedings to ratify the convention.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.am/eng/news/732481.html|title=EU ambassador: It's time for Armenia to ratify Istanbul convention |date=2022-11-29}}</ref> |
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=== Bulgaria === |
==== Bulgaria ==== |
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[[File:Protest Against The Istanbul Convention in Sofia.jpg|thumb |
[[File:Protest Against The Istanbul Convention in Sofia.jpg|thumb|Protest against the Istanbul Convention in [[Sofia]] (February 2018)]] |
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[[File:Sofia street protests against violence against women.webm|thumb |
[[File:Sofia street protests against violence against women.webm|thumb|Counter-protest in favour of the Istanbul Convention in Sofia (November 2018)]] |
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In January 2018, the [[Government of Bulgaria|Council of Ministers]] of [[Bulgaria]] adopted a proposal to the [[National Assembly of Bulgaria|Parliament]] to ratify the convention. The decision was quickly condemned by some government ministers, members of parliament, media groups and civic organisations, who suggested that the convention would eventually lead to a formal recognition of a [[third gender]] and [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnr.bg/vidin/post/100918948/vredna-za-balgarskoto-obshtestvo-li-e-istanbulskata-konvencia|title=Is the Istanbul Convention harmful for Bulgarian society?|publisher=Bulgarian National Radio|date=11 January 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002251/https://bnr.bg/vidin/post/100918948/vredna-za-balgarskoto-obshtestvo-li-e-istanbulskata-konvencia|url-status=live}}</ref> After widespread backlash, the [[third Borisov Government]] postponed the ratification and transferred the decision to the [[Constitutional Court of Bulgaria|Constitutional Court]], which would rule whether it would be legal.<ref name="Offnews">{{cite web|url=https://offnews.bg/temida/konstitutcionniat-sad-obrazuva-delo-za-istanbulskata-konventcia-677065.html|title=Constitutional Court formulates legal case regarding Istanbul convention|publisher=OffNews|date=20 March 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002237/https://offnews.bg/temida/konstitutcionniat-sad-obrazuva-delo-za-istanbulskata-konventcia-677065.html|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Rumen Radev]], an opponent of the ratification, hailed the postponement as a "triumph of common sense", stating that the convention is ambiguous and that domestic violence can only be addressed by adequate Bulgarian laws and improved law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bg/politics/rumen-radev-ne-iska-ratifikatsiya-na-istanbulskata-konventsiya.html|title=Rumen Radev opposes the Istanbul convention|date=1 February 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002238/https://news.bg/politics/rumen-radev-ne-iska-ratifikatsiya-na-istanbulskata-konventsiya.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In January 2018, the [[Government of Bulgaria|Council of Ministers]] of [[Bulgaria]] adopted a proposal to the [[National Assembly of Bulgaria|Parliament]] to ratify the convention. The decision was quickly condemned by some government ministers, members of parliament, media groups and civic organisations, who suggested that the convention would eventually lead to a formal recognition of a [[third gender]] and [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnr.bg/vidin/post/100918948/vredna-za-balgarskoto-obshtestvo-li-e-istanbulskata-konvencia|title=Is the Istanbul Convention harmful for Bulgarian society?|publisher=Bulgarian National Radio|date=11 January 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002251/https://bnr.bg/vidin/post/100918948/vredna-za-balgarskoto-obshtestvo-li-e-istanbulskata-konvencia|url-status=live}}</ref> After widespread backlash, the [[third Borisov Government]] postponed the ratification and transferred the decision to the [[Constitutional Court of Bulgaria|Constitutional Court]], which would rule whether it would be legal.<ref name="Offnews">{{cite web|url=https://offnews.bg/temida/konstitutcionniat-sad-obrazuva-delo-za-istanbulskata-konventcia-677065.html|title=Constitutional Court formulates legal case regarding Istanbul convention|publisher=OffNews|date=20 March 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002237/https://offnews.bg/temida/konstitutcionniat-sad-obrazuva-delo-za-istanbulskata-konventcia-677065.html|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Rumen Radev]], an opponent of the ratification, hailed the postponement as a "triumph of common sense", stating that the convention is ambiguous and that domestic violence can only be addressed by adequate Bulgarian laws and improved law enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bg/politics/rumen-radev-ne-iska-ratifikatsiya-na-istanbulskata-konventsiya.html|title=Rumen Radev opposes the Istanbul convention|date=1 February 2018|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002238/https://news.bg/politics/rumen-radev-ne-iska-ratifikatsiya-na-istanbulskata-konventsiya.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Women's rights groups were outraged by the Bulgarian government's decision not to ratify the Istanbul Convention. In November 2018, on the occasion of the [[International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women]], hundreds of people demonstrated in the centre of Sofia against violence against women under the motto #YouAreNotAlone (#НеСиСама), demanding effective action from the institutions including the creation of prevention programmes and shelters for victims. The organisers, the Bulgarian Fund for Women, cited the fact that in the first eleven months of 2018, almost 30 women were killed in Bulgaria, most of them by their partners.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxyDFjS0U0g |title=Sofia: in piazza contro la violenza sulle donne/Sofia: in the streets against violence against women |author=Francesco Martino |via=YouTube |publisher=OBC Transeuropa |date=28 November 2018 |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002246/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxyDFjS0U0g |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Women's rights groups were outraged by the Bulgarian government's decision not to ratify the Istanbul Convention. In November 2018, on the occasion of the [[International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women]], hundreds of people demonstrated in the centre of Sofia against violence against women under the motto #YouAreNotAlone (#НеСиСама), demanding effective action from the institutions including the creation of prevention programmes and shelters for victims. The organisers, the Bulgarian Fund for Women, cited the fact that in the first eleven months of 2018, almost 30 women were killed in Bulgaria, most of them by their partners.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxyDFjS0U0g |title=Sofia: in piazza contro la violenza sulle donne/Sofia: in the streets against violence against women |author=Francesco Martino |via=YouTube |publisher=OBC Transeuropa |date=28 November 2018 |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002246/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxyDFjS0U0g |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Czech Republic === |
==== Czech Republic ==== |
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The League of Human Rights (a Czech organization part of the [[International Federation for Human Rights]]) and the Czech Women's Lobby together with several other smaller organizations (proFem, Czech Women's Union, Rosa) advocated for the adoption of the convention. The adoption of the convention was also supported for a long time by the former Minister for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Legislation, [[Jiří Dienstbier]], who in January 2016 accepted a petition by [[Amnesty International]] for its adoption on behalf of the government. The Czech Republic finally signed the treaty on 12 May 2016, one of the last EU countries to do so. The signature was joined by its ambassador to the Council of Europe, Emil Ruffer. According to the plans, the ratification of the treaty itself was to take place by mid-2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Česká republika podepsala Istanbulskou úmluvu proti násilí na ženách|website=www.vlada.cz|url=https://www.vlada.cz/cz/ppov/rovne-prilezitosti-zen-a-muzu/aktuality/ceska-republika-podepsala-istanbulskou-umluvu-proti-nasili-na-zenach--143594/| |
The League of Human Rights (a Czech organization part of the [[International Federation for Human Rights]]) and the Czech Women's Lobby together with several other smaller organizations (proFem, Czech Women's Union, Rosa) advocated for the adoption of the convention. The adoption of the convention was also supported for a long time by the former Minister for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Legislation, [[Jiří Dienstbier]], who in January 2016 accepted a petition by [[Amnesty International]] for its adoption on behalf of the government. The Czech Republic finally signed the treaty on 12 May 2016, one of the last EU countries to do so. The signature was joined by its ambassador to the Council of Europe, Emil Ruffer. According to the plans, the ratification of the treaty itself was to take place by mid-2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Česká republika podepsala Istanbulskou úmluvu proti násilí na ženách|website=www.vlada.cz|url=https://www.vlada.cz/cz/ppov/rovne-prilezitosti-zen-a-muzu/aktuality/ceska-republika-podepsala-istanbulskou-umluvu-proti-nasili-na-zenach--143594/|language=cs|access-date=2017-03-30}}</ref> However, neither the [[First Cabinet of Andrej Babiš|first]] nor the [[Second Cabinet of Andrej Babiš|second government]] of [[Andrej Babiš]] discussed its ratification. The government of [[Petr Fiala]], on the other hand, postponed negotiations on the ratification of the convention, according to the Minister of Justice [[Pavel Blažek]], to the end of January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Česko neratifikuje Istanbulskou úmluvu. Blažek žádá odklad projednání o rok kvůli politické debatě|website=www.irozhlas.cz|url=https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/istanbulska-umluva-blazek-ministerstvo-spravedlnosti_2201311311_pj|language=cs|date=2022-01-31|access-date=2022-03-29}}</ref> |
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In June 2023, the government agreed to continue the process of adopting the convention. Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková stated that the cabinet approved the convention for ratification.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vláda posunula ratifikaci Istanbulské úmluvy do sněmovny|website=ČT24|url=https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3595066-vlada-posunula-ratifikaci-istanbulske-umluvy-do-snemovny| |
In June 2023, the government agreed to continue the process of adopting the convention. Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková stated that the cabinet approved the convention for ratification.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vláda posunula ratifikaci Istanbulské úmluvy do sněmovny|website=ČT24|url=https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3595066-vlada-posunula-ratifikaci-istanbulske-umluvy-do-snemovny|language=cs|date=2023-06-21|access-date=2023-06-22}}</ref> |
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In January 2024 it was rejected by Senate. |
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In May 2020, the [[National Assembly (Hungary)|National Assembly]] adopted a political declaration in which it called on the government not to go any further in acceding to the convention and to lobby the European Union to do the same. The declaration was adopted with 115 votes in favour, 35 against and three abstentions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-05|title=Parliament Adopts Declaration Rejecting Istanbul Convention|url=https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-istanbul-convention-parliament-declaration/|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Hungary Today|language=en|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002310/https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-istanbul-convention-parliament-declaration/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
In May 2020, the [[National Assembly (Hungary)|National Assembly]] adopted a political declaration in which it called on the government not to go any further in acceding to the convention and to lobby the European Union to do the same. The declaration was adopted with 115 votes in favour, 35 against and three abstentions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-05|title=Parliament Adopts Declaration Rejecting Istanbul Convention|url=https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-istanbul-convention-parliament-declaration/|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Hungary Today|language=en|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002310/https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-istanbul-convention-parliament-declaration/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== Lithuania ==== |
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⚫ | The Cabinet of Ministers of Lithuania initially signed the Convention on June 6, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/19231/pasirasyta-europos-tarybos-konvencija-del-smurto-pries-moteris |title=Pasirašyta Europos Tarybos konvencija dėl smurto prieš moteris |website=[[LRT televizija]] |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=7 July 2023 |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Social Democratic Party of Lithuania]] welcomed the move, with [[Giedrė Purvaneckienė]] stating it will strengthen already existing laws in the country on violence against women. On the other hand, the move was strongly protested by conservative groups, with MP [[Rimantas Dagys]] stating the decision was taken without consultations with the public. |
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The |
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⚫ | Ratification of the Convention stalled however, with subsequent majorities in the [[Seimas]] not carrying it through. In 2021, [[speaker of the Seimas]] [[Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen]] brought renewed attention to the ratification process, but opposition remained within the Seimas, and the issue was once again postponed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/lithuania-postpones-istanbul-convention-to-combat-violence-against-women/43444 |title=Lithuania Postpones Debate to Ratify Treaty on Combating Violence Against Women |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=7 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In June 2023, the [[Constitutional Court of Lithuania]] was asked by Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen to review the convention and verify if it abides to the constitution of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2023539/lithuania-s-constitutional-court-to-be-asked-to-examine-istanbul-convention |title=Lithuania's Constitutional Court to be asked to examine Istanbul Convention|website=[[LRT televizija]] |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=7 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Frederikas Jansonas, chief advisor to [[President of Lithuania|Lithuanian President]] [[Gitanas Nausėda]], described this move as unnecessary and claimed the President believes the Seimas is ready to deliberate and vote on this issue in the near future.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/2028176/nausedos-patarejas-apie-iniciatyva-del-stambulo-konvencijos-kreiptis-i-kt-tai-yra-beprasmis-zingsnis |title=Nausėdos patarėjas apie iniciatyvą dėl Stambulo konvencijos kreiptis į KT: tai yra beprasmis žingsnis |website=[[LRT televizija]] |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=7 July 2023 |language=lt}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Following a homicide of a woman in April 2023, 100 protesters gathered in front of the parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-04-19|title=Demonstration demands accountability after woman's murder in Latvian|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/25.04.2023-demonstration-demands-accountability-after-womans-murder-in-latvia.a505773/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427065220/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/25.04.2023-demonstration-demands-accountability-after-womans-murder-in-latvia.a505773/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-04-27|access-date=2023-04-27|website=LSM|language=en}}</ref> As of April 2023, the government in its large majority did not express interest in ratifying the Istanbul convention, with indifference to the issue among the ruling parties and claims that present laws already in place are sufficient.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-05|title=Little support for Istanbul Convention in Latvian parliament|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/25.04.2023-little-support-for-istanbul-convention-in-latvian-parliament.a506265/|access-date=2023-04-27|website=LSM|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427065006/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/25.04.2023-little-support-for-istanbul-convention-in-latvian-parliament.a506265/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== Slovakia ==== |
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⚫ | Conservative, Christian democratic, Roman Catholic, nationalist and far-right groups and parties in Slovakia have been opposed to the country ratifying the convention, especially because of its clauses concerning LGBT rights, which they portrayed as "extreme liberalism" that corrodes "traditional values" they felt needed to be protected.<ref name="Shotter">{{Cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c8a2787a-5322-11e9-a3db-1fe89bedc16e |title=Anti-corruption lawyer elected Slovakia's first female president |author=James Shotter |work=Financial Times |date=31 March 2019 |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002224/https://www.ft.com/content/c8a2787a-5322-11e9-a3db-1fe89bedc16e |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sirotnikova">{{Cite news |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2019/12/11/slovak-right-accused-of-forcing-abortion-as-election-issue/ |title=Slovak Right Accused of Forcing Abortion as Election Issue |author=Miroslava German Sirotnikova |work=Balkan Insight |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002247/https://balkaninsight.com/2019/12/11/slovak-right-accused-of-forcing-abortion-as-election-issue/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 March 2019, one day before the [[2019 Slovak presidential election]], nationalist politicians forced through a parliamentary resolution asking Slovakia's government not to ratify the Istanbul Convention, in an effort to mobilise conservative voters to vote for [[Maroš Šefčovič]] instead of the progressive candidate [[Zuzana Čaputová]], who had been supporting LGBT rights and women's right to abortion.<ref name="Shotter"/> Although Čaputová won the election and became Slovakia's first female president, conservative groups stepped up their campaign to prevent Slovakia from ratifying the convention and restricting access to abortion in the following months.<ref name="Sirotnikova"/> On 25 February 2020, the Parliament of [[Slovakia]], the [[National Council (Slovakia)|National Council]], rejected the Convention at an extraordinary session by a vote of 17–96 (37 absent).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Default.aspx?sid=schodze/hlasovanie/hlasklub&ID=43645|title=National Council of the Slovak Republic - votes by members of parliament|date=25 February 2020|website=Parliament of Slovakia|access-date=17 March 2020|language=sk|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002249/https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Default.aspx?sid=schodze%2Fhlasovanie%2Fhlasklub&ID=43645|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the decision of Parliament, President Zuzana Čaputová sent a letter to the Council of Europe on 6 March 2020, informing it that the Slovak Republic could not become a party to the Istanbul Convention. Presidential spokesperson [[:sk:Martin Strižinec|Martin Strižinec]] commented: "Since the necessary condition to ratify the convention is the consent of Parliament, but this hasn't happened, this convention won't be ratified by the president," adding that Čaputová repeatedly stated that if Parliament decided on the document in a constitutionally prescribed manner, she would respect the will of its members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enrsi.rtvs.sk/articles/news/219271/president-informed-council-of-europe-about-slovakias-stance-on-convention|title=President informed Council of Europe about Slovakia's stance on convention|website=rtvs.sk|language=sk|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002254/https://enrsi.rtvs.sk/articles/news/219271/president-informed-council-of-europe-about-slovakias-stance-on-convention|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The Cabinet of Ministers of Lithuania initially signed the Convention on June 6, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/19231/pasirasyta-europos-tarybos-konvencija-del-smurto-pries-moteris |title=Pasirašyta Europos Tarybos konvencija dėl smurto prieš moteris |website=[[LRT televizija]] |date=6 June 2013 | |
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=== Denunciation of convention by Turkey === |
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Ratification of the Convention stalled however, with subsequent majorities in the [[Seimas]] not carrying it through. In 2021, [[speaker of the Seimas]] [[Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen]] brought renewed attention to the ratification process, but opposition remained within the Seimas, and the issue was once again postponed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/lithuania-postpones-istanbul-convention-to-combat-violence-against-women/43444 |title=Lithuania Postpones Debate to Ratify Treaty on Combating Violence Against Women |date=6 June 2013 | |
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⚫ | On 20 March 2021, the Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] announced his country's withdrawal from the convention by a presidential decree published in the ''[[Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Gazette of Turkey |url=https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |access-date=20 March 2021 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002235/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The notification for withdrawal has been reported to the Secretary-General by Turkey on 22 March 2021 and the Secretary-General has announced that denunciation will enter into force on 1 July 2021.<ref name="Full_list" /> The withdrawal has been criticized both domestically and internationally, including by the opposition parties in the country, foreign leaders, the Council of Europe, NGOs and on social media. The CoE Secretary-General [[Marija Pejčinović Burić]] described the decision as "devastating news" and a "huge setback" that compromises the protection of [[women in Turkey]] and abroad.<ref name="Turkey'sWithdrawal">{{cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/20/turkey-condemned-for-quitting-anti-violence-treaty/|title=Turkey Condemned for Quitting Anti-Violence Treaty|publisher=Balkan Insight|date=20 March 2021|access-date=20 March 2021|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002314/https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/20/turkey-condemned-for-quitting-anti-violence-treaty/|url-status=live}}</ref> A spokesperson of the [[Republican People's Party]] (CHP) claimed that the agreement cannot be withdrawn without parliamentary approval, since it was approved by parliament on 24 November 2011. According to the CHP and various lawyers, the right to approve the withdrawal belongs to the parliament according to Article 90 of [[Constitution of Turkey|the Constitution]]. However, the government claims that the president has the authority to withdraw from international agreements as stated in article 3 of the presidential decree no. 9.<ref>{{cite news |title=Türkiye, İstanbul Sözleşmesi'nden çekildi |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-56465013 |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr |archive-date=19 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319230744/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-56465013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Türkiye, İstanbul Sözleşmesi'nden çekildi |url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2021/gundem/istanbul-sozlesmesi-cumhurbaskani-karariyla-feshedilemez-6324627/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=Sözcü Türkçe |language=tr |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720154039/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2021/gundem/istanbul-sozlesmesi-cumhurbaskani-karariyla-feshedilemez-6324627/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The decision sparked protests across Turkey and comes at a time where the domestic violence against women and femicides in the country are soaring.<ref name="Turkey'sWithdrawal"/> US President [[Joe Biden]] described the move as "deeply disappointing", while the EU's foreign policy chief [[Josep Borrell]] urged the authorities to reverse the decision.<ref name="ReasonOfWithdrawal">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-calls-turkeys-exit-from-treaty-for-women-unwarranted-turkey-joe-biden-recep-tayyip-erdogan-istanbul-white-house-b1820290.html|title=Biden calls Turkey's exit from treaty for women unwarranted|publisher=Independent|date=21 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321183529/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-calls-turkeys-exit-from-treaty-for-women-unwarranted-turkey-joe-biden-recep-tayyip-erdogan-istanbul-white-house-b1820290.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/eu-calls-turkey-to-reverse-decision-to-leave-treaty-on-women-s-rights-121032100112_1.html|title=EU calls Turkey to reverse decision to leave treaty on women's rights|newspaper=Business Standard India|publisher=Business-Standard|date=21 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321062131/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/eu-calls-turkey-to-reverse-decision-to-leave-treaty-on-women-s-rights-121032100112_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an official statement, the Turkish Presidency blamed the [[LGBT]] community for the withdrawal from the convention, arguing that "the Istanbul Convention, originally intended to promote women's rights, was hijacked by a group of people attempting to normalize homosexuality – which is incompatible with Turkey's social and family values. Hence, the decision to withdraw.". That view is shared by conservative groups and officials from Erdoğan's Islamic-oriented ruling party, the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]] (AKP), who claim that the agreement is promoting homosexuality, encouraging divorce and undermining what constitutes a "sacred" family in their view.<ref name="ReasonOfWithdrawal"/> Answering to criticism over the legality of withdrawal by the Presidency instead of Parliament, Erdoğan insisted that the withdrawal was "completely legal".<ref name="auto"/> |
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⚫ | On 29 June, the [[Council of State (Turkey)|Council of State]] rejected a motion for stay of execution regarding Erdogan's sole decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on violence against women and ruled that it was legal for Erdoğan to withdraw the country out of the convention since the authority to ratify and annul international agreements was among the president's powers, according to Article 104 of [[Constitution of Turkey|the constitution]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=SCF|date=2021-06-30|title=Top Turkish court rejects appeal to reverse Erdoğan's decision to exit Istanbul Convention|url=https://stockholmcf.org/top-turkish-court-rejects-appeal-to-reverse-erdogans-decision-to-exit-istanbul-convention/|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Stockholm Center for Freedom|language=en-US|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719213354/https://stockholmcf.org/top-turkish-court-rejects-appeal-to-reverse-erdogans-decision-to-exit-istanbul-convention/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The Parliament of Moldova ratified the |
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=== Countries that have ratified the convention === |
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⚫ | Conservative, Christian democratic, Roman Catholic, nationalist and far-right groups and parties in Slovakia have been opposed to the country ratifying the convention, especially because of its clauses concerning LGBT rights, which they portrayed as "extreme liberalism" that corrodes "traditional values" they felt needed to be protected.<ref name="Shotter">{{Cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c8a2787a-5322-11e9-a3db-1fe89bedc16e |title=Anti-corruption lawyer elected Slovakia's first female president |author=James Shotter |work=Financial Times |date=31 March 2019 |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002224/https://www.ft.com/content/c8a2787a-5322-11e9-a3db-1fe89bedc16e |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sirotnikova">{{Cite news |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2019/12/11/slovak-right-accused-of-forcing-abortion-as-election-issue/ |title=Slovak Right Accused of Forcing Abortion as Election Issue |author=Miroslava German Sirotnikova |work=Balkan Insight |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002247/https://balkaninsight.com/2019/12/11/slovak-right-accused-of-forcing-abortion-as-election-issue/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 March 2019, one day before the [[2019 Slovak presidential election]], nationalist politicians forced through a parliamentary resolution asking Slovakia's government not to ratify the Istanbul Convention, in an effort to mobilise conservative voters to vote for [[Maroš Šefčovič]] instead of the progressive candidate [[Zuzana Čaputová]], who had been supporting LGBT rights and women's right to abortion.<ref name="Shotter"/> Although Čaputová won the election and became Slovakia's first female president, conservative groups stepped up their campaign to prevent Slovakia from ratifying the convention and restricting access to abortion in the following months.<ref name="Sirotnikova"/> On 25 February 2020, the Parliament of [[Slovakia]], the [[National Council (Slovakia)|National Council]], rejected the Convention at an extraordinary session by a vote of 17–96 (37 absent).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Default.aspx?sid=schodze/hlasovanie/hlasklub&ID=43645|title=National Council of the Slovak Republic - votes by members of parliament|date=25 February 2020|website=Parliament of Slovakia|access-date=17 March 2020|language=sk|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002249/https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Default.aspx?sid=schodze%2Fhlasovanie%2Fhlasklub&ID=43645|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the decision of Parliament, President Zuzana Čaputová sent a letter to the Council of Europe on 6 March 2020, informing it that the Slovak Republic could not become a party to the Istanbul Convention. Presidential spokesperson [[:sk:Martin Strižinec]] commented: "Since the necessary condition to ratify the convention is the consent of Parliament, but this hasn't happened, this convention won't be ratified by the president," adding that Čaputová repeatedly stated that if Parliament decided on the document in a constitutionally prescribed manner, she would respect the will of its members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://enrsi.rtvs.sk/articles/news/219271/president-informed-council-of-europe-about-slovakias-stance-on-convention|title=President informed Council of Europe about Slovakia's stance on convention|website=rtvs.sk|language=sk|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002254/https://enrsi.rtvs.sk/articles/news/219271/president-informed-council-of-europe-about-slovakias-stance-on-convention|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== Latvia ==== |
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⚫ | The convention was signed on behalf of Latvia by the Minister of Welfare [[Jānis Reirs]] on18 May 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reirs Latvijas vārdā paraksta Stambulas konvenciju|url=http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/reirs-latvijas-varda-paraksta-stambulas-konvenciju.a183442/|access-date=2016-05-18|agency=LETA|date=2016-05-18|language=Latvian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519141554/http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/latvija/zinas/reirs-latvijas-varda-paraksta-stambulas-konvenciju.a183442/|archive-date=2016-05-19}}</ref> but in order for the convention to enter into force, it must also be ratified by the [[Saeima]]. In 2020, the Constitutional Court, following the request of 21 members of the Saeima, initiated a case on the compliance of three Istanbul Convention articles with the Latvian Constitution. On4 June 2021, the Constitutional Court made public its decision, recognizing that the norm on the implementation of special measures to protect women from violence complies with the Constitution.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-06-07|title=The Latvian Constitutional Court finds that the provisions of the Istanbul Convention comply with the Latvian Constitution|url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/the-latvian-constitutional-court-finds-that-the-provisions-of-the-istanbul-convention-comply-with-the-latvian-constitution|access-date=2023-07-07|language=en}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Following a homicide of a woman in April 2023, 100 protesters gathered in front of the parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-04-19|title=Demonstration demands accountability after woman's murder in Latvian|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/25.04.2023-demonstration-demands-accountability-after-womans-murder-in-latvia.a505773/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427065220/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/25.04.2023-demonstration-demands-accountability-after-womans-murder-in-latvia.a505773/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-04-27|access-date=2023-04-27|website=LSM|language=en}}</ref> As of April 2023, the government in its large majority did not express interest in ratifying the Istanbul convention, with indifference to the issue among the ruling parties and claims that present laws already in place are sufficient.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-05|title=Little support for Istanbul Convention in Latvian parliament|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/25.04.2023-little-support-for-istanbul-convention-in-latvian-parliament.a506265/|access-date=2023-04-27|website=LSM|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427065006/https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/25.04.2023-little-support-for-istanbul-convention-in-latvian-parliament.a506265/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Turkey === |
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⚫ | On 20 March 2021, the Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] announced his country's withdrawal from the convention by a presidential decree published in the ''[[Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Gazette of Turkey |url=https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |access-date=20 March 2021 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002235/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The notification for withdrawal has been reported to the Secretary-General by Turkey on 22 March 2021 and the Secretary-General has announced that denunciation will enter into force on 1 July 2021.<ref name="Full_list" /> The withdrawal has been criticized both domestically and internationally, including by the opposition parties in the country, foreign leaders, the Council of Europe, NGOs and on social media. The CoE Secretary-General [[Marija Pejčinović Burić]] described the decision as "devastating news" and a "huge setback" that compromises the protection of [[women in Turkey]] and abroad.<ref name="Turkey'sWithdrawal">{{cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/20/turkey-condemned-for-quitting-anti-violence-treaty/|title=Turkey Condemned for Quitting Anti-Violence Treaty|publisher=Balkan Insight|date=20 March 2021|access-date=20 March 2021|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002314/https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/20/turkey-condemned-for-quitting-anti-violence-treaty/|url-status=live}}</ref> A spokesperson of the [[Republican People's Party]] (CHP) claimed that the agreement cannot be withdrawn without parliamentary approval, since it was approved by parliament on 24 November 2011. According to the CHP and various lawyers, the right to approve the withdrawal belongs to the parliament according to Article 90 of [[Constitution of Turkey|the Constitution]]. However, the government claims that the president has the authority to withdraw from international agreements as stated in article 3 of the presidential decree no. 9.<ref>{{cite news |title=Türkiye, İstanbul Sözleşmesi'nden çekildi |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-56465013 |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr |archive-date=19 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319230744/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-56465013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Türkiye, İstanbul Sözleşmesi'nden çekildi |url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2021/gundem/istanbul-sozlesmesi-cumhurbaskani-karariyla-feshedilemez-6324627/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=Sözcü Türkçe |language=tr |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720154039/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2021/gundem/istanbul-sozlesmesi-cumhurbaskani-karariyla-feshedilemez-6324627/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The decision sparked protests across Turkey and comes at a time where the domestic violence against women and femicides in the country are soaring.<ref name="Turkey'sWithdrawal"/> US President [[Joe Biden]] described the move as "deeply disappointing", while the EU's foreign policy chief [[Josep Borrell]] urged the authorities to reverse the decision.<ref name="ReasonOfWithdrawal">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-calls-turkeys-exit-from-treaty-for-women-unwarranted-turkey-joe-biden-recep-tayyip-erdogan-istanbul-white-house-b1820290.html|title=Biden calls Turkey's exit from treaty for women unwarranted|publisher=Independent|date=21 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321183529/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-calls-turkeys-exit-from-treaty-for-women-unwarranted-turkey-joe-biden-recep-tayyip-erdogan-istanbul-white-house-b1820290.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/eu-calls-turkey-to-reverse-decision-to-leave-treaty-on-women-s-rights-121032100112_1.html|title=EU calls Turkey to reverse decision to leave treaty on women's rights|newspaper=Business Standard India|publisher=Business-Standard|date=21 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321062131/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/eu-calls-turkey-to-reverse-decision-to-leave-treaty-on-women-s-rights-121032100112_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an official statement, the Turkish Presidency blamed the [[LGBT]] community for the withdrawal from the convention, arguing that "the Istanbul Convention, originally intended to promote women's rights, was hijacked by a group of people attempting to normalize homosexuality – which is incompatible with Turkey's social and family values. Hence, the decision to withdraw.". That view is shared by conservative groups and officials from Erdoğan's Islamic-oriented ruling party, the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]] (AKP), who claim that the agreement is promoting homosexuality, encouraging divorce and undermining what constitutes a "sacred" family in their view.<ref name="ReasonOfWithdrawal"/> Answering to criticism over the legality of withdrawal by the Presidency instead of Parliament, Erdoğan insisted that the withdrawal was "completely legal".<ref name="auto"/> |
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Ultimately, the Latvian Saeima ratified the Istanbul Convention on 30 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-11-30|title=Istanbul convention ratified by Latvian Saeima|url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/30.11.2023-istanbul-convention-ratified-by-latvian-saeima.a533654/|access-date=2023-11-30|website=LSM|language=en}}</ref> |
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⚫ | On 29 June, the [[Council of State (Turkey)|Council of State]] rejected a motion for stay of execution regarding Erdogan's sole decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on violence against women and ruled that it was legal for Erdoğan to withdraw the country out of the convention since the authority to ratify and annul international agreements was among the president's powers, according to Article 104 of [[Constitution of Turkey|the constitution]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=SCF|date=2021-06-30|title=Top Turkish court rejects appeal to reverse Erdoğan's decision to exit Istanbul Convention|url=https://stockholmcf.org/top-turkish-court-rejects-appeal-to-reverse-erdogans-decision-to-exit-istanbul-convention/|access-date=2021-07-18|website=Stockholm Center for Freedom|language=en-US|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719213354/https://stockholmcf.org/top-turkish-court-rejects-appeal-to-reverse-erdogans-decision-to-exit-istanbul-convention/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== Moldova ==== |
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⚫ | The Parliament of Moldova ratified the convention on 14 October 2021, and it entered into force in Moldova on 1 May 2022.<ref name="Moldova">{{Cite web |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/-/the-istanbul-convention-enters-into-force-in-the-republic-of-moldova |title=The Istanbul Convention enters into force in the Republic of Moldova |author= |work=coe.int |publisher=Council of Europe |date=1 May 2022 |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> |
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On 13 April 2015, the President of Poland, [[Bronisław Komorowski|Bronislaw Komorowski]], formally ratified the Convention at the national level,<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Konwencja Rady Europy o zapobieganiu i zwalczaniu przemocy wobec kobiet i przemocy domowej, sporządzona w Stambule dnia 11 maja 2011 r.|trans_title=Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, drawn up in Istanbul on 11 May 2011.|year=2015|number=961}}</ref> and the ratification documents were deposited with the Council of Europe on 27 April 2015,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Poland - Istanbul Convention Action against violence against women and domestic violence - www.coe.int |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/poland1 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Istanbul Convention Action against violence against women and domestic violence |language=en-GB}}</ref> thus formally binding Poland to the Convention, which entered into force in Poland on 1 August 2015.<ref name=":2" /> |
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The convention has been opposed by the [[Law and Justice (Poland)|Law and Justice]] party of Poland, which has ruled the country since November 2015. In July 2020, Polish Justice Minister [[Zbigniew Ziobro]] declared he will begin preparing the formal process to withdraw from the treaty. He said that the treaty is harmful because it requires that schools teach children about [[Gender ideology|gender in an "ideological way"]] and de-emphasizes biological sex.<ref name=":0" /> Earlier in 2012, when in opposition, Ziobro had referred to the treaty as "an invention, a feminist creation aimed at justifying [[LGBT ideology|gay ideology]]".<ref name=":1" /> The [[Law and Justice]] government also criticized the treaty for stating that "culture, custom, religion, tradition or so-called 'honour' shall not be regarded as justification" for acts of violence against women.<ref>{{cite news |last1=SCISLOWSKA |first1=MONIKA |title=Poles split over govt plan to exit domestic violence treaty |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/poles-split-govt-plan-exit-domestic-violence-treaty-72007737 |access-date=6 August 2020 |work=ABC News |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=27 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002254/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/poles-split-govt-plan-exit-domestic-violence-treaty-72007737 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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⚫ | These claims have been refuted by the Polish non-profit [[fact-checking]] organization "Stowarzyszenie Demagog".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-29 |title=Czy Konwencja Stambulska wymusza na państwach uznanie małżeństw homoseksualnych? |trans-title=Does the Istanbul Convention force statestorecognize gay marriage? |url=https://demagog.org.pl/wypowiedzi/czy-konwencja-stambulska-wymusza-na-panstwach-uznanie-malzenstw-homoseksualnych/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/BN9K5 |archive-date=2020-07-29 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Demagog |language=pl-PL}}</ref> In Warsaw, hundreds of people demonstrated against the withdrawal.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Shona |title='Pathetic': Poland's plan to quit domestic violence treaty slammed |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/07/27/istanbul-convention-poland-s-plan-to-quit-domestic-violence-treaty-causes-concern |access-date=28 July 2020 |work=euronews |date=27 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728140706/https://www.euronews.com/2020/07/27/istanbul-convention-poland-s-plan-to-quit-domestic-violence-treaty-causes-concern |url-status=live }}</ref> The announcement was made soon after the European Union relaxed the link between funding and the rule of law, under pressure from Poland and Hungary.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Santora|first=Marc|date=27 July 2020|title=Poland Considers Leaving Treaty on Domestic Violence, Spurring Outcry|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/27/world/europe/poland-domestic-violence-treaty.html|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The New York Times|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002232/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/27/world/europe/poland-domestic-violence-treaty.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Council of Europe stated "Leaving the Istanbul Convention would be highly regrettable and a major step backwards in the protection of women against violence in Europe."<ref name=":0" /> |
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Following a change of government in late 2023, the intention to withdraw from the treaty has fully ceased, with the new Prime Minister [[Donald Tusk]] announcing on 30 January 2024 his decision to retract the previous PM's motion to the [[Constitutional Tribunal (Poland)|Polish Constitutional Tribunal]] to examine the Convention's compatibility with the [[Constitution of Poland|Polish Constitution]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-30 |title=Wniosek ws. konwencji stambulskiej wycofany z TK |trans-title=Motion on Istanbul Convention withdrawn from CT |url=https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/wniosek-ws-konwencji-stambulskiej-wycofany-z-tk |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=[[Polska Agencja Prasowa]]}}</ref> Prime Minister Tusk emphasized that the protection of women and children from violence should never be the subject of political bickering, but rather a matter of common concern.<ref name=":3" /> |
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{{See also|Violence against women in Ukraine|Sexual violence in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} |
{{See also|Violence against women in Ukraine|Sexual violence in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} |
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[[Ukraine]]'s legislation in the field of (sexual) violence against women and domestic violence had been relatively weak at the start of the 21st century, and the penalties low. |
[[Ukraine]]'s legislation in the field of (sexual) violence against women and domestic violence had been relatively weak at the start of the 21st century, and the penalties low. |
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<ref name="Terajima">{{Cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/ukraine-ratifies-istanbul-convention-11-years-after-signing-treaty-to-curb-gender-based-violence |title=Ukraine ratifies Istanbul convention 11 years after signing treaty to curb gender-based violence |author=Asami Terajima |work=The Kyiv Independent |date=20 June 2022 | |
<ref name="Terajima">{{Cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/ukraine-ratifies-istanbul-convention-11-years-after-signing-treaty-to-curb-gender-based-violence |title=Ukraine ratifies Istanbul convention 11 years after signing treaty to curb gender-based violence |author=Asami Terajima |work=The Kyiv Independent |date=20 June 2022 |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> In 2011, the Ukrainian government (under president [[Viktor Yanukovych|Yanukovych]]) was one of the authors and first signers of the Istanbul Convention, but tough parliamentary opposition prevented its implementation in subsequent years.<ref name="Terajima"/> In 2016, a majority of parliament still voted against ratification, partly because several churches and conservative politicians had difficulty with the text.<ref name="Terajima"/> Meanwhile, the risk of women to become victims of gender-based violence significantly increased in eastern Ukraine ever since the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] began in 2014.<ref name="Terajima"/> |
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⚫ | Throughout the 2010s and the early 2020s, several Ukrainian organisations campaigned for better protection of human rights, pushing for ratification of the convention as a means of achieving that goal.<ref name="Terajima"/> On 6 December 2017, the Ukrainian Parliament and government, under President [[Petro Poroshenko]], adopted several amendments to its Criminal Code, including [[Sexual consent in law|consent-based definitions of sexual violence]], in order to implement the Istanbul Convention.<ref name="2017 Amendments Ukraine">{{Cite web |title=Про внесення змін до Кримінального та Кримінального процесуального кодексів України з метою реалізації положень Конвенції Ради Європи про запобігання насильству стосовно жінок і домашньому насильству та боротьбу з цими явищами |trans-title=On amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of Ukraine in order to implement the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Violence... |work=Official web-portal of the Parliament of Ukraine |date=6 December 2017 |access-date=10 September 2022 |url= https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2227-19?lang=en#Text}}</ref> The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in a surge of reports of domestic and sexual violence committed against civilians, particularly in the Russian-occupied territories, coupled with the Ukrainian government's desire to join the [[European Union]] and gain European support against the invasion, were compelling reasons for eventually ratifying the treaty in its entirety.<ref name="Terajima"/> On 18 June 2022, president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy|Zelenskyy]] registered in Parliament a bill on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. On 20 June 2022, the [[Verkhovna Rada]] of Ukraine supported the ratification of the Istanbul Convention<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.unian.net/politics/verhovnaya-rada-podderzhala-ratifikaciyu-stambulskoy-konvencii-novosti-ukraina-11872623.html?_gl=1*7gyk0e*_ga*NjM2ODYwODE5LjE2MzgwNDQwODM.*_ga_JLSK4Y8K67*MTY1NTcxOTQ0NS4yNzcuMS4xNjU1NzIzMjgzLjU1*_ga_P6EEJX21DY*MTY1NTcxOTQ0NS4zMTkuMS4xNjU1NzIzMjgzLjU1|title= Deputy of Ukraine have ratified the Istanbul Convention to gain EU candidate status|publisher= Unian.net|access-date=20 June 2022}}</ref> by 259 votes against 8.<ref name="Terajima"/> Ukraine submitted its instrument of ratification on 18 July 2022, so the Convention entered into force in Ukraine on 1 November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/-/ukraine-ratifies-the-istanbul-convention |title=Ukraine ratifies the Istanbul Convention |work=coe.int |publisher=Council of Europe |date=18 July 2022 |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> |
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Throughout the 2010s and the early 2020s, several Ukrainian organisations campaigned for better protection of human rights, pushing for ratification of the |
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⚫ | The United Kingdom submitted its instrument of ratification on 21 July 2022, so the Convention entered into force in the UK on 1 November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/the-united-kingdom-ratifies-the-istanbul-convention |title=The United Kingdom ratifies the Istanbul Convention |work=coe.int |publisher=Council of Europe |date=21 July 2022 |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> |
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==Criticism== |
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Criticism includes "the definition and use of the term 'gender' in the convention; the provision obliging states parties to provide teaching on 'non-stereotyped gender roles' at all levels of education; the convention's supposed bias against men; as well as allegations that it threatens state sovereignty."<ref>[https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2023/739323/EPRS_ATA(2023)739323_EN.pdf EU accession to the Istanbul Convention, European Parliamentary Research Service, PE 739.323 – February 2023]</ref> |
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⚫ |
The United Kingdom submitted its instrument of ratification on 21 July 2022, so the Convention entered into force in the UK on 1 November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/-/the-united-kingdom-ratifies-the-istanbul-convention |title=The United Kingdom ratifies the Istanbul Convention |work=coe.int |publisher=Council of Europe |date=21 July 2022 | |
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== Criticism == |
== Criticism of criticism of the convention == |
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[[File:Anne Brasseur It is not about countries, it is about protecting citizens!.webm|thumb|start=245|[[Anne Brasseur]] countering criticism against the convention (2019)]] |
[[File:Anne Brasseur It is not about countries, it is about protecting citizens!.webm|thumb|start=245|[[Anne Brasseur]] countering criticism against the convention (2019)]] |
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In a press release in November 2018, the Council of Europe stated, "Despite its clearly stated aims, several religious and ultra conservative groups have been spreading false narratives about the Istanbul Convention". The release stated that the convention does not seek to impose a certain lifestyle or interfere with personal organization of private life; instead, it seeks only to prevent violence against women and domestic violence. The release states that "the convention is certainly ''not'' about ending sexual differences between women and men. Nowhere does the convention ever imply that women and men are or should be 'the same' and that "the convention does not seek to regulate family life and/or family structures: it neither contains a definition of 'family' nor does it promote a particular type of family setting."<ref>{{cite press release |title=Ending misconceptions about the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence |publisher=Council of Europe |date=22 November 2018 |url=https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016808f0fb1 |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123203750/https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016808f0fb1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In a press release in November 2018, the Council of Europe stated, "Despite its clearly stated aims, several religious and ultra conservative groups have been spreading false narratives about the Istanbul Convention". The release stated that the convention does not seek to impose a certain lifestyle or interfere with personal organization of private life; instead, it seeks only to prevent violence against women and domestic violence. The release states that "the convention is certainly ''not'' about ending sexual differences between women and men. Nowhere does the convention ever imply that women and men are or should be 'the same' and that "the convention does not seek to regulate family life and/or family structures: it neither contains a definition of 'family' nor does it promote a particular type of family setting."<ref>{{cite press release |title=Ending misconceptions about the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence |publisher=Council of Europe |date=22 November 2018 |url=https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016808f0fb1 |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123203750/https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016808f0fb1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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According to ''[[Balkan Insight]]'', criticism of the convention, which is strongest in [[Central and Eastern Europe]] and mainly by the [[far right]] and [[national conservatives]], has little foundation in its actual content: "Using [[disinformation]], populist rhetoric, and appeals to Christian and Islamic morality, [critics] have managed to reframe what is essentially a set of guidelines that creates 'a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women', into a sinister attempt by [[Western Europe |
According to ''[[Balkan Insight]]'', criticism of the convention, which is strongest in [[Central and Eastern Europe]] and mainly by the [[far right]] and [[national conservatives]], has little foundation in its actual content: "Using [[disinformation]], populist rhetoric, and appeals to Christian and Islamic morality, [critics] have managed to reframe what is essentially a set of guidelines that creates 'a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women', into a sinister attempt by [[Western Europe]]ans to foist their overly-liberal policies on reluctant societies further east".<ref>{{cite news |title=Domestic Violence Treaty Falling Victim to Political Obtuseness |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/08/04/istanbul-treaty-falling-victim-to-political-obtuseness/ |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Balkan Insight |date=4 August 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720154040/https://balkaninsight.com/2020/08/04/istanbul-treaty-falling-victim-to-political-obtuseness/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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[[Category:Treaties of France]] |
[[Category:Treaties of France]] |
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[[Category:Treaties of Italy]] |
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[[Category:Treaties of Malta]] |
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[[Category:Compulsory sterilization]] |
Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence | |
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![]() | |
Drafted | 7 April 2011 |
Signed | 11 May 2011 |
Location | Istanbul, Turkey |
Effective | 1 August 2014 |
Condition | 10 ratifications of which 8 from Council of Europe members |
Signatories | 45 states + EU |
Ratifiers | 38 states + EU |
Depositary | Secretary General of the Council of Europe |
Citations | CETS No. 210 |
Languages | English and French |
The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, better known as the Istanbul Convention, is a human rights treaty of the Council of Europe opposing violence against women and domestic violence which was opened for signature on 11 May 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey. The convention aims at prevention of violence, victim protection and to end the impunity of perpetrators.[1]
As of March 2019, it has been signed by 45 countries and the European Union.[2] On 12 March 2012, Turkey became the first country to ratify the convention, followed by 37 other countries and the European Union from 2013 to 2024 (Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece,[3] Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,[4] Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom).[2] The Convention came into force on 1 August 2014.[2]
In 2021, Turkey became the first and only country to withdraw from the convention, after denouncing it on 20 March 2021. The convention ceased to be effective in Turkey on 1 July 2021, following its denunciation.[5][6][7]
On 1 June 2023 the Council of the European Union approved the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention.[8] On 28 June 2023 the European Union ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the "Istanbul Convention".[9] The Istanbul Convention entered into force in the EU on 1 October 2023, where the "EU member states that have not yet ratified the convention themselves will only be bound by the EU acquis, which implements the convention".[10]
The Council of Europe has undertaken a series of initiatives to promote the protection of women against violence since the 1990s. In particular, these initiatives have resulted in the adoption, in 2002, of the Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2002)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the protection of women against violence,[11] and the running of a Europe-wide campaign, from 2006 to 2008, to combat violence against women, including domestic violence.[12] The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has also taken a firm political stance against all forms of violence against women. It has adopted a number of resolutions and recommendations calling for legally-binding standards on preventing, protecting against and prosecuting the most severe and widespread forms of gender-based violence.[13]
National reports, studies and surveys revealed the magnitude of the problem in Europe.[13] The campaign in particular showed a large variation in Europe of national responses to violence against women and domestic violence. Thus, the need for harmonized legal standards to ensure that victims benefit from the same level of protection everywhere in Europe became apparent. The Ministers of Justice of Council of Europe member states began discussing the need to step up protection from domestic violence, in particular intimate partner violence.
The Council of Europe decided it was necessary to set comprehensive standards to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. In December 2008, the Committee of Ministers set up an expert group mandated to prepare a draft convention in this field. Over the course of just over two years, this group, called the CAHVIO (Ad Hoc Committee for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence),[14] developed a draft text. During the later stage of drafting of the convention, UK, Italy, Russia, and the Holy See proposed several amendments to limit the requirements provided by the convention. These amendments were criticized by Amnesty International.[15] The final draft of the convention was produced in December 2010.
The Istanbul Convention is the first legally-binding instrument which "creates a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women" and is focused on preventing domestic violence, protecting victims and prosecuting accused offenders.[16]
It characterizes violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination (Art.3(a)). Countries should exercise due diligence when preventing violence, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators (Art. 5). The convention also contains a definition of gender: for the purpose of the Convention gender is defined in Article 3(c) as "the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men". Moreover, the treaty establishes a series of offences characterized as violence against women. States which ratify the Convention must criminalize several offences, including: psychological violence (Art.33); stalking (Art.34); physical violence (Art.35); sexual violence, including rape, explicitly covering all engagement in non-consensual acts of a sexual nature with a person (Art.36), forced marriage (Art.37); female genital mutilation (Art.38), forced abortion and forced sterilisation (Art.39). The Convention states that sexual harassment must be subject to "criminal or other legal sanction" (Art. 40). The convention also includes an article targeting crimes committed in the name of "so-called honour" (Art. 42).[2]
The convention contains 81 articles separated into 12 chapters. Its structure follows the structure of the Council of Europe's most recent conventions.[17] The structure of the instrument is based on the "four Ps": Prevention, Protection and support of victims, Prosecution of offenders and Integrated Policies. Each area foresees a series of specific measures.[18] The convention also establishes obligations in relation to the collection of data and supporting research in the field of violence against women (Art. 11).
The preamble recalls the European Convention on Human Rights, European Social Charter and Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings as well as international human rights treatiesbyUnited Nations and Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In Article 2, this Convention indicates that the provisions shall apply in time of peace and also in situations of armed conflicts in violence against women and domestic violence. Article 3 defines key terms:
Article 4 prohibits several types of discrimination stating: The implementation of the provisions of this convention by the Parties, in particular measure to protect the rights of victims, shall be secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, gender, race, colour, language political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, state of health, disability, marital status, migrant or refugee status, or other status.
The convention mandates an independent expert body, the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), with monitoring the implementation of the convention. Its members are elected by the state parties; depending on the number of state parties the body consists of between ten and fifteen members.[19]
The first ten members were elected in 2014: President Feride Acar (Turkey), First Vice-president Marceline Naudi (Malta), Second Vice-president Simona Lanzoni (Italy), and members Biljana Brankovic (Serbia), Françoise Brie (France), Gemma Gallego (Spain), Helena Leitao (Portugal), Rosa Logar (Austria), Iris Luarasi (Albania) and Vesna Ratkovic (Montenegro).[20]
Five additional members were elected in 2018: Per Arne Håkansson (Sweden), Sabine Kräuter-Stockton (Germany), Vladimer Mkervalishvili (Georgia), Rachel Eapen Paul (Norway) and Aleid van den Brink (Netherlands).[21]
With several GREVIO members finishing their mandates, new elections were held in December of 2023.
The draft of the convention was adopted by the Council of Europe Ministers Deputies on 7 April 2011 on the occasion of the 1111th meeting.[22] It opened for signature on 11 May 2011 on the occasion of the 121st Session of the Committee of Ministers in Istanbul. It entered into force following 10 ratifications, eight of which were required to be member states of the Council of Europe. As of December 2015, the convention was signed by 39 states, followed by ratification of the minimum eight Council of Europe states: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, and Turkey. Later that year, it was ratified by Andorra, Denmark, France, Malta, Monaco, Spain, and Sweden. In 2015, it was ratified also by Finland, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia, and in 2016, by Belgium, San Marino and Romania; in 2017 by Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland, in 2018 by Croatia, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Republic of Macedonia, and in 2019, by Ireland.[3] On 13 June 2017, European Commissioner Věra Jourová (Gender Equality) signed the Istanbul Convention on behalf of the European Union.[23] On 20 June 2022 the Ukrainian parliament ratified the treaty,[24] followed in July 2022 by the United Kingdom. States that have ratified the convention are legally bound by its provisions once it enters into force.[24]
28 June 2023 saw the European Union ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the “Istanbul Convention”.[9] The convention cane into force in respect of the European Union as of 1 October 2023.
The convention can be denounced through a notification to the COE Secretary General (Article 80) and enters into force three months after that notification.[25]
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Violence against women |
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Killing |
Sexual assault and rape |
Disfigurement |
Other issues |
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International legal framework |
Related topics |
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Signatory[27] | Signature | Ratification | Entry into force | Denunciation |
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19 December 2011 | 4 February 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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22 February 2013 | 22 April 2014 | 1 August 2014 | |
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18 January 2018 | |||
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11 May 2011 | 14 November 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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11 September 2012 | 14 March 2016 | 1 July 2016 | |
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8 March 2013 | 7 November 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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21 April 2016 | |||
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22 January 2013 | 12 June 2018 | 1 October 2018 | |
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16 June 2015 | 10 November 2017 | 1 March 2018 | |
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2 May 2016 | |||
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11 October 2013 | 23 April 2014 | 1 August 2014 | |
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2 December 2014 | 26 October 2017 | 1 February 2018 | |
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13 June 2017 | 1 June 2023 | 1 October 2023 | |
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11 May 2011 | 17 April 2015 | 1 August 2015 | |
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11 May 2011 | 4 July 2014 | 1 November 2014 | |
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19 June 2014 | 19 May 2017 | 1 September 2017 | |
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11 May 2011 | 12 October 2017 | 1 February 2018 | |
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11 May 2011 | 18 June 2018 | 1 October 2018 | |
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14 March 2014 | |||
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11 May 2011 | 26 April 2018 | 1 August 2018 | |
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15 November 2015 | 8 March 2019 | 1 July 2019 | |
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27 September 2012 | 10 September 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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18 May 2016 | 30 November 2023 | May 1, 2024 | |
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10 November 2016 | 17 June 2021 | 1 October 2021 | |
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7 June 2013 | |||
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11 May 2011 | 7 August 2018 | 1 December 2018 | |
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21 May 2012 | 29 July 2014 | 1 November 2014 | |
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6 February 2017 | 31 January 2022 | 1 May 2022 | |
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20 September 2012 | 7 October 2014 | 1 February 2015 | |
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11 May 2011 | 22 April 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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14 November 2012 | 18 November 2015 | 1 March 2016 | |
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8 July 2011 | 23 March 2018 | 1 July 2018 | |
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7 July 2011 | 5 July 2017 | 1 November 2017 | |
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18 December 2012 | 27 April 2015 | 1 August 2015 | |
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11 May 2011 | 5 February 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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27 June 2014 | 23 May 2016 | 1 September 2016 | |
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30 April 2014 | 28 January 2016 | 1 May 2016 | |
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4 April 2012 | 21 November 2013 | 1 August 2014 | |
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11 May 2011 | |||
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8 September 2011 | 5 February 2015 | 1 June 2015 | |
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11 May 2011 | 10 April 2014 | 1 August 2014 | |
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11 May 2011 | 1 July 2014 | 1 November 2014 | |
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11 September 2013 | 14 December 2017 | 1 April 2018 | |
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11 May 2011 | 14 March 2012 | 1 August 2014 | 1 July 2021 |
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7 November 2011 | 18 July 2022 | 1 November 2022 | |
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8 June 2012 | 21 July 2022 | 1 November 2022 |
The Armenian government approved the signing of the Convention in the session of 28 December 2017.[28] In 2019, during the public discussions about the approval of the convention, there were opinions both for and against. A number of politicians and statesmen have stated that it contradicts the Constitution of Armenia[29][30] and could result in the idea of having a third gender.[29] On 1 August 2019, the Deputy Minister Kristinne Grigoryan of the Armenian Ministry of Justice released a clarifying statement on the convention, remarking that its purpose is the prevention of violence and not the redefinition of the family.[31] The ministry also announced that it had sought guidance from the Venice Commission, a Council of Europe body that advises on legal and constitutional issues, on the "constitutional implications" of the ratification of the convention. Assuming that the Venice Commission rules favorably, Armenia's ratification appears inevitable given the fact that an overwhelming majority of members of parliament support it.[32]
Discussions surrounding the ratification were also met with opposition from some members of the public, who accused the convention to be intended to legalize same-sex marriage and spread LGBT "propaganda". According to Human Rights Watch, some officials used derogatory and hateful words against LGBT activists as a result.[33]
The United Nations Human Rights Council in its 2020 in the report urged Armenia to immediately ratify the Istanbul Convention to effectively protect the well-being of women who experience domestic violence, but also men,[34] complaining of insufficient protection for both in existing Armenian legislation.[33] In November 2022, the European Union's ambassador to Armenia, Andrea Wiktorin, urged the Armenian government to speed up proceedings to ratify the convention.[35]
In January 2018, the Council of MinistersofBulgaria adopted a proposal to the Parliament to ratify the convention. The decision was quickly condemned by some government ministers, members of parliament, media groups and civic organisations, who suggested that the convention would eventually lead to a formal recognition of a third gender and same-sex marriage.[36] After widespread backlash, the third Borisov Government postponed the ratification and transferred the decision to the Constitutional Court, which would rule whether it would be legal.[37] President Rumen Radev, an opponent of the ratification, hailed the postponement as a "triumph of common sense", stating that the convention is ambiguous and that domestic violence can only be addressed by adequate Bulgarian laws and improved law enforcement.[38]
Prime Minister Boyko Borisov cited the isolation of his GERB party, which was not supported even by its coalition partner, the far-right United Patriots. Borisov expressed surprise that the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) was firmly against the convention as well, and suggested that the Socialists are opposing the European Union altogether.[39] The BSP declared itself firmly against the convention, causing a rift between the Party of European Socialists and the BSP's new political line under Korneliya Ninova.[40] According to the Socialists' "Vision for Bulgaria" programme, the convention is "not meant to protect women. The convention is against fundamental values of European civilisation".[41]
On 27 July 2018, the Constitutional Court pronounced Resolution No 13 on Constitutional Case No. 3/2018 stating that "the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, does not comply with the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria". In its decision, the Court identified a relation between previous Council of Europe documents against domestic violence and the expansion of transgender rights. According to the Constitutional Court, the convention offers a binary interpretation of gender as both a biological and social category, which contradicts the constitution of Bulgaria, where humans are irrevocably defined as biologically male or female, with equal standing as citizens. The convention therefore lays formal ground to promote non-biological definitions of gender, which are deemed unconstitutional.[42]
Women's rights groups were outraged by the Bulgarian government's decision not to ratify the Istanbul Convention. In November 2018, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, hundreds of people demonstrated in the centre of Sofia against violence against women under the motto #YouAreNotAlone (#НеСиСама), demanding effective action from the institutions including the creation of prevention programmes and shelters for victims. The organisers, the Bulgarian Fund for Women, cited the fact that in the first eleven months of 2018, almost 30 women were killed in Bulgaria, most of them by their partners.[43]
The League of Human Rights (a Czech organization part of the International Federation for Human Rights) and the Czech Women's Lobby together with several other smaller organizations (proFem, Czech Women's Union, Rosa) advocated for the adoption of the convention. The adoption of the convention was also supported for a long time by the former Minister for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Legislation, Jiří Dienstbier, who in January 2016 accepted a petition by Amnesty International for its adoption on behalf of the government. The Czech Republic finally signed the treaty on 12 May 2016, one of the last EU countries to do so. The signature was joined by its ambassador to the Council of Europe, Emil Ruffer. According to the plans, the ratification of the treaty itself was to take place by mid-2018.[44] However, neither the first nor the second governmentofAndrej Babiš discussed its ratification. The government of Petr Fiala, on the other hand, postponed negotiations on the ratification of the convention, according to the Minister of Justice Pavel Blažek, to the end of January 2023.[45]
In June 2023, the government agreed to continue the process of adopting the convention. Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková stated that the cabinet approved the convention for ratification.[46]
In January 2024 it was rejected by Senate.
In May 2020, the National Assembly adopted a political declaration in which it called on the government not to go any further in acceding to the convention and to lobby the European Union to do the same. The declaration was adopted with 115 votes in favour, 35 against and three abstentions.[47]
The Cabinet of Ministers of Lithuania initially signed the Convention on June 6, 2013.[48] The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania welcomed the move, with Giedrė Purvaneckienė stating it will strengthen already existing laws in the country on violence against women. On the other hand, the move was strongly protested by conservative groups, with MP Rimantas Dagys stating the decision was taken without consultations with the public.
Ratification of the Convention stalled however, with subsequent majorities in the Seimas not carrying it through. In 2021, speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen brought renewed attention to the ratification process, but opposition remained within the Seimas, and the issue was once again postponed.[49] In June 2023, the Constitutional Court of Lithuania was asked by Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen to review the convention and verify if it abides to the constitution of the country.[50] Frederikas Jansonas, chief advisor to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, described this move as unnecessary and claimed the President believes the Seimas is ready to deliberate and vote on this issue in the near future.[51]
Conservative, Christian democratic, Roman Catholic, nationalist and far-right groups and parties in Slovakia have been opposed to the country ratifying the convention, especially because of its clauses concerning LGBT rights, which they portrayed as "extreme liberalism" that corrodes "traditional values" they felt needed to be protected.[52][53] On 29 March 2019, one day before the 2019 Slovak presidential election, nationalist politicians forced through a parliamentary resolution asking Slovakia's government not to ratify the Istanbul Convention, in an effort to mobilise conservative voters to vote for Maroš Šefčovič instead of the progressive candidate Zuzana Čaputová, who had been supporting LGBT rights and women's right to abortion.[52] Although Čaputová won the election and became Slovakia's first female president, conservative groups stepped up their campaign to prevent Slovakia from ratifying the convention and restricting access to abortion in the following months.[53] On 25 February 2020, the Parliament of Slovakia, the National Council, rejected the Convention at an extraordinary session by a vote of 17–96 (37 absent).[54] Following the decision of Parliament, President Zuzana Čaputová sent a letter to the Council of Europe on 6 March 2020, informing it that the Slovak Republic could not become a party to the Istanbul Convention. Presidential spokesperson Martin Strižinec commented: "Since the necessary condition to ratify the convention is the consent of Parliament, but this hasn't happened, this convention won't be ratified by the president," adding that Čaputová repeatedly stated that if Parliament decided on the document in a constitutionally prescribed manner, she would respect the will of its members.[55]
On 20 March 2021, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced his country's withdrawal from the convention by a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey.[56] The notification for withdrawal has been reported to the Secretary-General by Turkey on 22 March 2021 and the Secretary-General has announced that denunciation will enter into force on 1 July 2021.[2] The withdrawal has been criticized both domestically and internationally, including by the opposition parties in the country, foreign leaders, the Council of Europe, NGOs and on social media. The CoE Secretary-General Marija Pejčinović Burić described the decision as "devastating news" and a "huge setback" that compromises the protection of women in Turkey and abroad.[57] A spokesperson of the Republican People's Party (CHP) claimed that the agreement cannot be withdrawn without parliamentary approval, since it was approved by parliament on 24 November 2011. According to the CHP and various lawyers, the right to approve the withdrawal belongs to the parliament according to Article 90 of the Constitution. However, the government claims that the president has the authority to withdraw from international agreements as stated in article 3 of the presidential decree no. 9.[58][59] The decision sparked protests across Turkey and comes at a time where the domestic violence against women and femicides in the country are soaring.[57] US President Joe Biden described the move as "deeply disappointing", while the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged the authorities to reverse the decision.[60][61] In an official statement, the Turkish Presidency blamed the LGBT community for the withdrawal from the convention, arguing that "the Istanbul Convention, originally intended to promote women's rights, was hijacked by a group of people attempting to normalize homosexuality – which is incompatible with Turkey's social and family values. Hence, the decision to withdraw.". That view is shared by conservative groups and officials from Erdoğan's Islamic-oriented ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), who claim that the agreement is promoting homosexuality, encouraging divorce and undermining what constitutes a "sacred" family in their view.[60] Answering to criticism over the legality of withdrawal by the Presidency instead of Parliament, Erdoğan insisted that the withdrawal was "completely legal".[5]
On 29 June, the Council of State rejected a motion for stay of execution regarding Erdogan's sole decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on violence against women and ruled that it was legal for Erdoğan to withdraw the country out of the convention since the authority to ratify and annul international agreements was among the president's powers, according to Article 104 of the constitution.[62]
The convention was signed on behalf of Latvia by the Minister of Welfare Jānis Reirs on 18 May 2016,[63] but in order for the convention to enter into force, it must also be ratified by the Saeima. In 2020, the Constitutional Court, following the request of 21 members of the Saeima, initiated a case on the compliance of three Istanbul Convention articles with the Latvian Constitution. On 4 June 2021, the Constitutional Court made public its decision, recognizing that the norm on the implementation of special measures to protect women from violence complies with the Constitution.[64]
Following a homicide of a woman in April 2023, 100 protesters gathered in front of the parliament.[65] As of April 2023, the government in its large majority did not express interest in ratifying the Istanbul convention, with indifference to the issue among the ruling parties and claims that present laws already in place are sufficient.[66]
Ultimately, the Latvian Saeima ratified the Istanbul Convention on 30 November 2023.[67]
The Parliament of Moldova ratified the convention on 14 October 2021, and it entered into force in Moldova on 1 May 2022.[68]
On 13 April 2015, the President of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski, formally ratified the Convention at the national level,[69] and the ratification documents were deposited with the Council of Europe on 27 April 2015,[70] thus formally binding Poland to the Convention, which entered into force in Poland on 1 August 2015.[70]
The convention has been opposed by the Law and Justice party of Poland, which has ruled the country since November 2015. In July 2020, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro declared he will begin preparing the formal process to withdraw from the treaty. He said that the treaty is harmful because it requires that schools teach children about gender in an "ideological way" and de-emphasizes biological sex.[71] Earlier in 2012, when in opposition, Ziobro had referred to the treaty as "an invention, a feminist creation aimed at justifying gay ideology".[72] The Law and Justice government also criticized the treaty for stating that "culture, custom, religion, tradition or so-called 'honour' shall not be regarded as justification" for acts of violence against women.[73]
These claims have been refuted by the Polish non-profit fact-checking organization "Stowarzyszenie Demagog".[74] In Warsaw, hundreds of people demonstrated against the withdrawal.[71] The announcement was made soon after the European Union relaxed the link between funding and the rule of law, under pressure from Poland and Hungary.[72] The Council of Europe stated "Leaving the Istanbul Convention would be highly regrettable and a major step backwards in the protection of women against violence in Europe."[71]
Following a change of government in late 2023, the intention to withdraw from the treaty has fully ceased, with the new Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing on 30 January 2024 his decision to retract the previous PM's motion to the Polish Constitutional Tribunal to examine the Convention's compatibility with the Polish Constitution.[75] Prime Minister Tusk emphasized that the protection of women and children from violence should never be the subject of political bickering, but rather a matter of common concern.[75]
Ukraine's legislation in the field of (sexual) violence against women and domestic violence had been relatively weak at the start of the 21st century, and the penalties low. [76] In 2011, the Ukrainian government (under president Yanukovych) was one of the authors and first signers of the Istanbul Convention, but tough parliamentary opposition prevented its implementation in subsequent years.[76] In 2016, a majority of parliament still voted against ratification, partly because several churches and conservative politicians had difficulty with the text.[76] Meanwhile, the risk of women to become victims of gender-based violence significantly increased in eastern Ukraine ever since the Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014.[76]
Throughout the 2010s and the early 2020s, several Ukrainian organisations campaigned for better protection of human rights, pushing for ratification of the convention as a means of achieving that goal.[76] On 6 December 2017, the Ukrainian Parliament and government, under President Petro Poroshenko, adopted several amendments to its Criminal Code, including consent-based definitions of sexual violence, in order to implement the Istanbul Convention.[77] The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in a surge of reports of domestic and sexual violence committed against civilians, particularly in the Russian-occupied territories, coupled with the Ukrainian government's desire to join the European Union and gain European support against the invasion, were compelling reasons for eventually ratifying the treaty in its entirety.[76] On 18 June 2022, president Zelenskyy registered in Parliament a bill on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. On 20 June 2022, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the ratification of the Istanbul Convention[78] by 259 votes against 8.[76] Ukraine submitted its instrument of ratification on 18 July 2022, so the Convention entered into force in Ukraine on 1 November 2022.[79]
The United Kingdom submitted its instrument of ratification on 21 July 2022, so the Convention entered into force in the UK on 1 November 2022.[80]
Criticism includes "the definition and use of the term 'gender' in the convention; the provision obliging states parties to provide teaching on 'non-stereotyped gender roles' at all levels of education; the convention's supposed bias against men; as well as allegations that it threatens state sovereignty."[81]
In a press release in November 2018, the Council of Europe stated, "Despite its clearly stated aims, several religious and ultra conservative groups have been spreading false narratives about the Istanbul Convention". The release stated that the convention does not seek to impose a certain lifestyle or interfere with personal organization of private life; instead, it seeks only to prevent violence against women and domestic violence. The release states that "the convention is certainly not about ending sexual differences between women and men. Nowhere does the convention ever imply that women and men are or should be 'the same' and that "the convention does not seek to regulate family life and/or family structures: it neither contains a definition of 'family' nor does it promote a particular type of family setting."[82]
According to Balkan Insight, criticism of the convention, which is strongest in Central and Eastern Europe and mainly by the far right and national conservatives, has little foundation in its actual content: "Using disinformation, populist rhetoric, and appeals to Christian and Islamic morality, [critics] have managed to reframe what is essentially a set of guidelines that creates 'a comprehensive legal framework and approach to combat violence against women', into a sinister attempt by Western Europeans to foist their overly-liberal policies on reluctant societies further east".[83]
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