Every day in Europe women are victims of violence just because they are women. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November reminds us all that we need to fight this violation of human rights.

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women contains all the measures that need to be taken to prevent violence, protect the victims and end impunity. I therefore call on governments across Europe to assume their responsibility to protect and empower millions of European women by ratifying the Council of Europe Convention. The Convention has been signed by 24 member states and ratified by Turkey. Nine more ratifications are needed for the Convention to enter into force.

The best pledge that European governments can make on 25 November is to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention.