Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks Addressing the European Parliament last week, he once again called on all EU member states to urgently ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, the so-called Istanbul Convention. He recalled that 17 EU member states have ratified the convention so far.
"I want to encourage the European Union and all member states that have not yet done so to urgently ratify the Istanbul Convention and take all necessary measures for its full implementation," he appealed in Brussels.
"Violence threatens the family, not the fight against gender stereotypes that lead to violence against women," the human rights commissioner stressed.
Muižnieks pointed out that it is important that MEPs in their countries work to deconstruct myths about the Istanbul Convention, to inform and educate the general public so that this international document is voted on and implemented in national legislation as soon as possible and in a positive social climate.
