The European Union calls on Turkey to uphold the women’s rights treaty cancelled by President Erdogan. “Violence against women is inadmissible.
Women deserve protection through solid legislation,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Twitter.
EU foreign chief Josep Borrell is also urging Turkey to reverse the decision. He deeply regrets the cancellation and says he does not understand the decision.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decided without debate in the Turkish parliament to denounce the so-called Istanbul convention. The treaty was drawn up in the Turkish city in 2011. Erdogan was prime minister at the time. The goals are to prevent domestic violence, better protect victims and end perpetrators’ impunity.
Turkey’s conservative government believes the country should better promote women’s rights in its own way. Turkey does not have to “imitate others” Vice President Fuat Oktay motivated the decision.
There is also opposition in Turkey itself. The centre-left opposition reacted furiously, and thousands of people took to the streets to express their displeasure. The Council of Europe, which took the initiative for the convention, is also disappointed in the Turkish president’s decision.
The Council, not to be confused with the EU, promotes human rights through treaties and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Turkey is also a member of the organization.