Czech President Petr Pavel has expressed his support for the ratification of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Speaking at the conclusion of the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik, President Pavel stated that he sees no reason why the Czech Republic should not ratify the convention, emphasizing that they are one of the last European states yet to do so.

Although the Czech Republic signed the Istanbul Convention in 2016, it still needs to be ratified by both chambers of parliament and signed by the president to come into force. However, the convention has faced significant opposition within the country. Conservative groups and seven Christian churches have strongly opposed the document, claiming that it is unnecessary and would create division between men and women.

In contrast, supporters of the convention view it as a crucial tool for improving the safety and protection of victims of violence. They believe that enacting the solutions outlined in the convention will help eradicate violence, strengthen prevention measures, and enhance law enforcement. Women’s organizations have expressed concerns that the convention has become the target of a disinformation campaign by certain associations and individuals.

The failure to ratify the Istanbul Convention has cast a negative light on the Czech Republic in the eyes of its Western European partners, who consider the convention a sign of an “advanced civilization,” according to diplomatic sources. Slovakia and Hungary are among the other countries that have not yet ratified the convention, while Turkey, despite being an early signatory in 2012, withdrew from the convention in 2021.

The Istanbul Convention condemns various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage, honor crimes, and genital mutilation. It emphasizes that women are more likely to be victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as mass rape in armed conflicts. The convention categorizes violence against women as discrimination and a violation of human rights. States that ratify the convention commit to implementing measures to prevent violence, allocate funding for support services, and provide training for healthcare professionals, police officers, and judges.

The convention also calls for the establishment of medical centers for victims of sexual violence, legal and psychological support services, shelters, and prevention programs involving men and boys. By ratifying the Istanbul Convention, the Czech Republic would demonstrate its commitment to combating violence against women and upholding human rights.

Article by Prague Forum