Latvian lawmakers have voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, the international treaty aimed at protecting women from violence, including domestic abuse, according to BBC. The vote came after a 13-hour parliamentary debate and intense public protests in Riga.
The decision now rests with President Edgars Rinkevics, who will decide whether to approve the withdrawal. Latvia is the first EU country to initiate withdrawal, following Turkey’s exit in 2021, a move widely criticized by the Council of Europe.
The vote passed with 56 in favor and 32 against, driven by opposition parties and supported by members of the Union of Greens and Farmers from the governing coalition. Critics argue the treaty promotes “gender ideology” that conflicts with traditional family values, while supporters insist it protects women’s rights and ensures access to support services.
Responses and Reactions:
- Prime Minister Evika Silina opposed the withdrawal and joined protests outside parliament, stating: “We will not give up; we will fight so that violence does not prevail.”
- Human rights groups, including Centrs Marta and Barazi Tani, criticized the political use of the treaty and called for its protections to remain in place.
- Theodoros Rousopoulos, head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, described Latvia’s decision as a “deeply concerning step back for women’s and human rights in Europe”.
Since Turkey’s withdrawal, studies indicate a significant rise in violence against women, raising concerns about the potential impact in Latvia. As the parliamentary vote did not achieve a two-thirds majority, the president may return the bill for further consideration.
