The Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence brings together parliamentarians from the national delegations to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and observers and partners for democracy. Active since 2006, when it contributed to the Council of Europe's "Stop domestic violence against women" campaign, the Network serves as a vital parliamentary forum for ending gender-based violence.
The Network actively campaigns for the Istanbul Convention's ratification and implementation at national, European and global levels, offering members and parliaments expertise and practical tools to support their monitoring role. It is coordinated by the General Rapporteur on Violence against Women, who ensures continuity and strategic direction across the Network's activities.
Since its creation, the Network has been instrumental in advancing the Convention toward entry into force and remains a driving force in holding States accountable for their commitments.
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as the Istanbul Convention, is the most comprehensive international treaty on this issue and a "gold standard" for tackling gender-based violence. It recognises such violence as a human rights violation and a form of discrimination, and is built on four pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution and integrated policies, requiring States to take coordinated action across all levels of government.
Since entering into force on 1 August 2014, the Convention has, under Article 70, invited national parliaments and the Parliamentary Assembly to monitor its implementation by State parties.
Revised Handbook for parliamentarians on the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention: English, Arabic, Czech, Dutch, Finnish, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian,
Brochure – Parliaments free of sexism and sexual harassment: English, German, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian
Brochure – Towards an ambitious Council of Europe agenda for gender equality
22/04/2026 - Session
PACE calls for consent to be included in national legislation
22/04/2026 - Session
PACE calls for renewed commitment to the Istanbul Convention
23/03/2026 - Equality and Non-Discrimination
The Istanbul Convention saves lives: PACE committee calls for universal ratification and full implementation of the Convention
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