The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today strongly urged the 11 EU member states that still have not ratified the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence to do so without any further delays.

 

 

“While the Bulgarian government, who are currently holding the EU Presidency, withdraws its bill of ratification of the Istanbul Convention and spearheads the movement against it, women continue to be beaten, raped, harassed, and even killed all across Europe for no other reason than being women. This violence is directed against women, because they are women. It is shocking that some governments excuse their reluctance to ratify the Istanbul Convention by the very fact that the treaty recognises the existence of gender-based violence. How are we supposed to solve a problem, if we refuse to identify it correctly?

 

“We call on the 11 EU governments, both those who are dragging their feet and those who are actively blocking progress, to ratify the Istanbul Convention without any further delays. The Istanbul Convention is the best tool we have to protect the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. We owe this to o ur citizens. Respect women’s dignity.”

 

 

“Violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights. The Istanbul Convention, as the first legally binding international treaty, is a powerful tool to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence. Yet, resistance against progress is deep and it is growing. It is shameful that 11 EU countries have still not ratified the Istanbul Convention that would make life better for millions of women across Europe.

 

“We Socialists and Democrats are deeply worried by the backsliding in the fight against women’s rights and the roll-back of sexual and reproductive rights in some EU countries. We will continue to be watchful and fight until all women are protected against all forms of violence and discrimination.”