A Decade of Ups and Down’s Concerning the Istanbul Convention

Abstract

In the last decade the Istanbul Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, is significant because it provides a comprehensive legal framework for preventing violence against women, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators. It covers various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence, as well as forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

From the human rights perspective the Convention is emphasizing the right of everyone to live free from violence and discrimination. It acknowledges that violence against women is a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based discrimination.

By ratifying the Istanbul Convention, countries commit to cooperating internationally to prevent and combat violence against women. This includes sharing information and best practices, as well as coordinating efforts to address transnational forms of violence. Also, the Convention emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as education and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as measures to promote gender equality and address underlying social and cultural norms that contribute to violence against women.

Taking all that in consideration, after 10 years we need to ask ourselves one question – We had benefited from It, or we did worse? We underline the fact that Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in March 2021 sparked significant debate and controversy. But at the same time, we have 45 countries and the European Union that had signed the Istanbul Convention in the last decade.