Debate: Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
Date: THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 2021
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: EN

The Commission is fully committed to eradicate violence against women in the EU and outside its borders because violence against women is never justified. It’s just not acceptable that women and girls are afraid or need to be cautious when walking down the street. We cannot look away when we know or suspect violence in the house next door. Women and girls should live free from violence and have a strong legal framework to protect them. This is why the EU signed the Istanbul Convention and why the Commission is pushing for EU accession. As you know there are hurdles in the Council, and thus to ensure we do have a comprehensive legal framework, the Commission is preparing a legislative proposal to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. We are planning to present this by the end of this year. We are hearing more and more dissenting voices on the importance and the aim of the Istanbul Convention, not only outside but also inside the European Union. The Convention is based on the understanding that violence against women and domestic violence are not private or family matters, but criminal behaviour. Consequently, politicians need to ensure it is a criminal offence in national law for which there should never be impunity. This approach requires measures for the prevention of crime, the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators. It also requires practical measures that contribute to an overall effort for better policies, services and discourse around the violence that women and girls experience so that awareness is raised, mentalities are changed and women are supported and empowered. I stress that the aim of those measures is prevention, and that the Convention is based on the premise that violence against women cannot be eradicated without investing in gender equality. That is what the Convention is about and what it aims for. There are no other hidden motives. Turkey’s decision to withdraw from the Convention sends a regrettable signal at a bad moment. It risks compromising the protection and fundamental rights of women and girls in Turkey with devastating effects on its entire society at a time when this protection is needed more than ever. The High Representative/Vice—President Borrell was very clear on this in his statement issued in immediate reaction to this news. This is a wrong step from Turkey, a country that hosted the Convention in the first place. It is a huge setback to efforts made in the country in recent years and sends a dangerous message across the world. We therefore cannot but urge Turkey to reverse its decision. Turkey should fully commit to defending the rights of women and girls, a fundamental element of human rights, peace, security and equality. Now, more than ever, it is essential that state parties, both in the European Union and outside, stand by the standards of the Istanbul Convention as a source of guidance for action. Now, especially at this point in time, is the moment to show leadership and enhance global efforts to fight violence against women and girls, and not to retreat. This is why we deeply regret the decision of the Turkish Government to withdraw from the Convention that even bears the name of Istanbul, and Turkey was the first country to ratify it. The lives and health of women and girls are at stake and we need to stand by all women and girls.