24/11/2014 Equality and Non-Discrimination
"2014 has been a watershed year, with the entry into force of the Istanbul Convention clearly signalling States' political determination to prevent and condemn all forms of violence against women and definitively put an end to inequality", said PACE President Anne Brasseur, speaking ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November).
Ms Brasseur stressed that this legal instrument had paved the way for unprecedented awareness-raising initiatives, fostering the emergence of public debate on issues such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, psychological violence or marital rape. "I am convinced that, through its pioneering approach, this Convention has already contributed to stemming the tide of tradition and changing mentalities, so that all forms of harassment will be seen as unacceptable," she said.
"The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an opportunity to step up our collective efforts to build a world where women can live free of fear and violence. Once again I call on the States to act, so that we can have a more just and responsible society, by ratifying the Istanbul Convention."