Prague, Czech Republic – In a significant step towards addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women and domestic violence, the Czech cabinet has agreed to move forward with the process of ratifying the Istanbul Convention. The treaty has been sent to the Chamber of Deputies for deliberation, marking an important milestone in the Czech Republic’s efforts to join the majority of European Union (EU) member states in endorsing the convention.

The decision to recommend the ratification of the Istanbul Convention was announced by the junior coalition Mayors and Independents (STAN) via their official Twitter account. The move has garnered support from various quarters, with Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky (Pirates) emphasizing the potential benefits of the treaty in aiding and protecting victims. Lipavsky expressed that the ratification would not harm anyone but would instead provide crucial assistance to those affected by violence.

While the specifics of the cabinet vote were not disclosed, government human rights commissioner Klara Simackova Laurencikova has welcomed the approval of the treaty. The Czech Republic, one of the last EU member states yet to ratify the Istanbul Convention, is now poised to address the issue of violence against women and domestic violence more comprehensively.

The Istanbul Convention, initially adopted in 2011 and signed in 2016 during the previous Czech government’s tenure, has evoked strong emotions within the country. Critics, primarily conservatives and seven Christian churches, have rejected the convention. However, proponents argue that ratification will enhance support for victims and send a clear message that violence is unacceptable.

The Convention specifically condemns various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage, so-called honor crimes, and genital mutilation. It acknowledges that women disproportionately experience domestic and sexual violence, both in their everyday lives and as victims of mass rape in armed conflicts. By framing violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination, the Convention calls for comprehensive measures to prevent such violence and allocate resources for victim support services. The document also emphasizes the importance of training health workers, police officers, and judges to effectively address these issues.

According to data from the national domestic violence prevention plan, the Czech Republic incurs substantial financial losses due to household attacks, amounting to at least 14.5 billion crowns annually, which includes costs associated with absenteeism from work and healthcare expenses. Alarming statistics reveal that only about 5% of rape cases are reported to the police, indicating a significant underreporting issue.

The ratification process of the Istanbul Convention in the Czech Republic requires approval from both houses of parliament, followed by the president’s signature. The recent EU-wide vote in favor of adopting the treaty adds further impetus to the Czech government’s decision, aligning it with broader regional efforts to combat violence against women and domestic violence effectively.

As the Czech Chamber of Deputies begins deliberating the Istanbul Convention, the country stands at a crucial juncture in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women. By embracing this international treaty, the Czech Republic can foster a safer society, raise awareness about gender-based violence, and provide vital support for victims, ultimately working towards the eradication of violence against women and domestic violence as a whole.

Article by Prague Forum