The Istanbul Convention for a better future for all.

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Istanbul Convention.

Signed on 11 May 2011, this landmark convention of the Council of Europe aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. It is the first instrument in Europe to set legally binding standards to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims of violence and punish perpetrators. The 10th anniversary is a good moment to reflect on what we have achieved so far and what challenges are still ahead. In that light, we welcome a debate on the merits and values of the Istanbul Convention and what we can do jointly to promote safety, respect and equality for women and girls.

One of the first countries to sign

The Slovak Republic joined the Council of Europe in 1993, one of the first international organisations that it joined after its independence, and it has been an active and valued member since then. On the 11th of May 2011, Slovakia was among the first countries to sign the Istanbul Convention. Since taking its place in the world as an independent country, Slovakia has a strong tradition of support for women's rights. However, Slovakia has not ratified the Istanbul Convention.

The Istanbul Convention has been ratified by 34 member states, including our countries. It offers the most comprehensive legal framework to prevent and combat violence against women. The Convention asks for preventive actions and for support and protection of women who have been exposed to violence or are at risk of such violence. It calls for action against domestic violence, and also aims to protect women and girls from rape, sexual harassment, stalking, online violence and other acts.

Thousands of women are killed each year

Violence against women and domestic violence is a tragic and unacceptable reality in the whole of Europe. More than 3,000 women are killed each year in Europe by their intimate partners or family members and countless more are hurt and harassed. In Slovakia, 34 percent of women older than 15 years have suffered physical or sexual violence. Even 47 percent have experienced psychological violence by their partner, as a survey of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency shows.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed a significant increase of violence against women in many countries. Statistics of the General Prosecutor's Office highlighted a 30 percent increase in reports of domestic violence in Slovakia in 2020. According to police, 12 women were killed by their partners in...