The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No. 210, “Istanbul Convention”) has been in force for 10 years. The Convention´s independent monitoring body, the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), is completing the first monitoring round, identifying shortcomings and promising practices in the implementation of the Convention.
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 2479 (2023) “The Istanbul Convention: progress and challenges” refers to the persistent “alarmingly high levels of violence and tragic femicides”. More must be done to eliminate gender-based violence against women and domestic violence, while attacks on the Convention through misinformation prevent further ratifications.
All relevant actors, including the Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence, have highlighted areas where improvement is needed: more gender-sensitive approaches in policies and laws tackling violence against women; the need to address other forms of violence against women beyond domestic violence; the additional barriers faced by certain women (Roma and Traveller women; women with disabilities; migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women; women with addictions) in accessing protection and support; factoring domestic violence into decisions on custody and visitation rights; and the need to strengthen prevention through education measures.
The Istanbul Convention refers to “parliamentary involvement” in its monitoring, and the Assembly is invited to “regularly take stock of the implementation of this Convention” (Article 70, paragraph 3).
In conformity with its decision to hold regular discussions on the Istanbul Convention, the Assembly should therefore renew its call to ratify and apply the Istanbul Convention, adapting to the evolving situation and highlighting the positive impact the Convention has already had. The Assembly should also identify critical issues where progress is needed to ensure that all women and girls can enjoy their right to a life free from violence.