On UN International Women’s Day on 8 March, the Council of Europe welcomes the 34th ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention) to stop all forms of violence against women.
“We welcome Ireland’s ratification as yet more proof of the success of our convention, which helps to prevent violence, helps victims, and ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice”, said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland.
The Istanbul Convention requires criminalising and legally sanctioning different forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and psychological violence.
Secretary General Jagland matched praise for the 34 ratifications so far with a call on all member states that have signed to ratify “without delay”, he stressed.
