One in three women globally have experienced violence. Violence against women and girls has further increased worldwide, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and of the many conflicts where women are primary victims. Today it is more important than ever to continue working tirelessly so that every woman can live a life free from violence. It is in this light that we mark the tenth anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention.
Ten years after its adoption, the Istanbul Convention(link is external) of the Council of Europe continues to set the leading international standard on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The EU celebrates the transformative power of the Istanbul Convention and is determined to continue its global efforts to put an end to gender-based violence. As laid down in the EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe, as well as in the Gender Action Plan III, the EU stays committed to working together with the Council of Europe to promote the standards and objectives set out in the Istanbul Convention.
“We must show leadership and enhance global efforts to fight violence against women and girls. Protection of fundamental rights of women and girls is not negotiable. The EU will continue to be at the forefront of efforts towards real gender equality” – EU High Representative Josep Borrell
The Istanbul Convention is the first international legally binding instrument to combat violence against women and domestic violence. It was opened for signature 10 years ago in Istanbul, Turkey. Referred to by UN Women as the ‘gold standard’ for combating violence against women, it is the most ambitious international legal instrument in the field to date. Over the past 10 years, it has had a positive impact on national legislation and policies in a number of states that have ratified the Convention.
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The Istanbul Convention aims at ensuring essential legal protection to women and girls across the world. It builds on the notion that violence against women is a violation of human rights. Adopting a victim- and survivor-centred approach, it sets out guidance to ensure the safety of all women and girls towards a life free from violence.
European Union
The #EU joins celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the #IstanbulConvention and its transformative power towards ending violence against women. https://t.co/59snsDxyyg#IstanbulConventionSavesLives #EEAS #COE #EUDELCOE
— EU Delegation to CoE (@EUDELCoE) May 11, 2021