May 11th marks the 10th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Also known as the Istanbul Convention, the event has acted as a significant and comprehensive legal tool in the process of combating and preventing violence against women across numerous countries. Thirty-four member states of the Council of Europe have ratified it and twelve have signed it, coupled with the European Union. Effects of the convention’s influence can also be observed outside of Europe, as it is used as a foundation for action in other countries.
The Istanbul Convention is the first of its kind to recognise violence against women as discrimination against women, as well as a violation of human rights. Using a victim-centred approach, it promotes the empowerment and safety of women and girls, offering practical solutions to their protection. This is carried out with the intent of correcting wider gender injustice and inequality.
Throughout the past 10 years, the convention has aided numerous countries in the advancement of legislation and policies that effectively combat and prevent gender based violence.
Today, we celebrate the Istanbul Convention as a landmark event in the fight to correct gender injustice and its incredible impact across Europe and beyond. We urge the European Union and all countries to ratify and implement the convention.