Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset on International Day on the Elimination of Violence against Women 2025
Strasbourg, 24.11.2025 – Gender-based violence is the number one human rights violation of women in Europe.
Democracy rests on the fundamental principle that everyone deserves equal rights and dignity and can live safely and freely. As our democracies are facing new challenges, women’s rights are increasingly called into question
On the eve of International Day on the Elimination of Violence against Women, we reaffirm that no woman should live in fear of violence.
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The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) is the most comprehensive international agreement for the protection of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence. By providing a clear interpretation of core human rights principles enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, the Istanbul Convention strengthens our collective framework for action. Its significance lies not only in the legal standards it sets, but also in the shift in mindset it encourages toward zero tolerance for violence.
The Istanbul Convention sets a high standard, and it is making a real difference. Gaps in criminal legislation are being closed, as shown by the consent-based definition of rape, now a feature of many national laws across Europe. Specialist investigation and prosecution units are being set up, support services for victims are developed and rolled out, professional training is enhanced, and national or regional budgets have increased. Strategic policy documents such as national action plans are gradually modelled after the convention, and it has become a strong advocacy tool to save lives.
The promise of equal rights means little if half of humanity still faces violence in their daily lives. A democracy cannot function if women are not safe and able to take part fully. The New Democratic Pact for Europe works to strengthen democracy by ensuring real equality, and ending violence against women is vital to that effort.
Just a decade after its entry into force, the Istanbul Convention has become the bill of rights for women victims of violence in Europe. Anyone who has truly listened to women and girls seeking help after domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage, stalking, or other forms of gender-based violence understands the urgency of our task and the responsibility we share to end it together.
Secretary General Alain Berset
Council of Europe
