The ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the EU would send a signal that ending violence against women and girls is a priority across Europe. This is all the more important in the context of the Covid19 pandemic, when we’ve seen a rise in domestic violence and abuse as victims are locked-down with their abusers and economic insecurity is rising. This is a time for strengthening women's rights not rolling them back.

IndustriAll Europe Trade Union joins the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) demand that EU leaders finally prioritise ratification of the Istanbul Convention, following reports last weekend that Poland plans to withdraw from the convention against violence against women and girls.

IndustriAll General Secretary Luc Triangle said, “It was with great concern that we heard over the weekend that the new Polish government intends to withdraw Poland from the Istanbul Convention. At industriAll Europe we are increasingly concerned that there is a backlash against women’s rights in some quarters. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the EU would send a signal that ending violence against women and girls is a priority across Europe. This is all the more important in the context of the Covid19 pandemic, when we’ve seen a rise in domestic violence and abuse as victims are locked-down with their abusers and economic insecurity is rising. This is a time for strengthening women's rights not rolling them back”.

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is based on the understanding that violence against women is a form of gender-based violence that is committed against women because they are women. It is the obligation of the state to fully address it in all its forms and to take measures to prevent violence against women, protect its victims and prosecute the perpetrators. 

EU accession to the Istanbul Convention began in October 2015 but is currently stuck in the European Council. Five member states have yet to put the treaty into national law.

Contact: Andrea Husen-Bradley (Press and Communication) and Judith Kirton-Darling (Deputy General Secretary responsible for Equal Opportunities)