Gender-based violence is the most common form of violation of women’s human rights in Europe, the General Secretary of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, pointed out in a press release, on the occasion of November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women.
Democracy rests on the fundamental principle that every person deserves equal rights and dignity, and can live safely and freely. As our democratic societies face new challenges, women’s rights are increasingly threatened.
– On the eve of the International Day against Violence Against Women, we want to reiterate that no woman should live in fear of violence – said Berset.
The Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) is the most comprehensive international treaty related to the protection of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence. By providing a clear interpretation of the basic principles of human rights protection based on the European Convention on Human Rights, the Istanbul Convention makes our common framework for action stronger. Its importance is not only in the legal standards it sets, but also in changing consciousness because it advocates zero tolerance towards violence.
The Istanbul Convention sets high standards and its impact is real. Gaps in criminal laws are being reduced, which can be seen in the example of the non-consensual definition of rape that has already been integrated into many national laws across Europe. Special units for investigation and prosecution, as well as support services for victims, are being established, professional training is being improved, and national and regional budgets are increasing. Strategic policies and documents, such as national action plans, are increasingly aligned with the Convention, and it has become a powerful tool for advocacy to protect life.
– The principle of equality does not mean much if half of humanity still faces violence in everyday life. A democratic society cannot function if women are not safe and are not allowed to participate fully. The goal of the New Democratic Pact for Europe is to strengthen democracy by ensuring full equality, and ending violence against women is key to its achievement – stated Berset.
– Only a decade after it entered into force, the Istanbul Convention became a fundamental law protecting the rights of women victims of violence in Europe. Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to hear women and girls who asked for help after experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriage, stalking or some other form of gender-based violence understands the urgency of this task and our responsibility to end violence together – he concluded.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
