Since the Tunisian parliament passed a new law last week to stop violence against women, the Council of Europe stands ready to assist in its implementation.
“We welcome this law as a substantial step forward in Tunisia and for the entire region to end violence against women” said William Massolin, Head of the Tunisia Office of the Council of Europe.
The challenge of fighting violence against women is a priority for the Council of Europe, particularly since the entry into force in 2014 of its landmark Istanbul Convention aimed at preventing such violence, prosecuting perpetrators and protecting victims.
The Council of Europe will continue its cooperation with Tunisia to help implement the new law, in light of Istanbul Convention standards and relevant experiences of Member States facing similar challenges.
Tunisia's law adopts a wide ranging approach to fighting the problem, including preventive measures, specialised police and prosecution units, creation of a National institute to fight violence against women as well as judicial services for victims.
By way of its many cooperation agreements with Tunisia, the Council of Europe works on a daily basis with government and civil society to make available its expertise in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
