Turkey’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe Accord has been condemned by both E.U. and U.S.
The European Union (E.U.) has condemned the Turkey’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe Accord, designed to protect women from domestic violence.
The Council of Europe Accord, also known as Istanbul Convention, is a human rights treaty of the Council of Europe for eliminating violence against women and domestic violence, which was opened for signature on May 11, 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey. The convention aims at prevention of violence, victim protection and to end the impunity of perpetrators.
As of March 2019, it has been signed by 45 countries and the European Union. On 12 March 2012, Turkey became the first country to ratify the convention, followed by 33 other countries from 2013 to 2019.
The E.U. leaders have urged the President of Turkey – Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reconsider his decision of withdrawing from the accord. Turkey says it needs domestic law and not international treaties to safeguard women.
Apart from the E.U. members like Germany and France, the United States (U.S.) has also condemned Turkey’s decision. This is the 2nd time in 4 days E.U. has opposed Turkey. The first time E.U. condemned Turkey was over rights issues, after a Turkish prosecutor moved to close down a pro-Kurdish political party.
The President of U.S. – Joe Biden said Turkey’s withdrawal from the accord was “deeply disappointing” and a step backward in efforts to end violence against women globally.
A statement from Biden read, “Around the world, we are seeing increases in the number of domestic violence incidents, including reports of rising femicide in Turkey.”
It further read, “Countries should be working to strengthen and renew their commitments to ending violence against women, not rejecting international treaties designed to protect women and hold abusers accountable.”
E.U. Foreign Policy Chief – Josep Borrell said that the decision was incomprehensible and “Risks compromising the protection and fundamental rights of women and girls in Turkey (and) sends a dangerous message across the world. … We therefore cannot but urge Turkey to reverse its decision.”
Taking it to twitter, Josep tweeted,
The #IstanbulConvention aims at ensuring essential legal protection to women & girls across the world.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) March 20, 2021
We cannot but regret deeply and express incomprehension towards the decision of the Turkish government to withdraw from this convention. We urge Turkey to reverse its decision. https://t.co/wnXcJ1pXAU
A day before, the President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Erdogan but at that time Turkey had not withdrawn from the accord. Leaving the Istanbul Convention would deprive Turkey and Turkish women of a vital tool to counter violence.
Turkey does not officially maintain a record of femicide. According to human right groups, over the last 10 years, femicide has tripled in Turkey. So far this year 78 women have been murdered or died under suspicious circumstances.
While France believes that Turkey’s withdrawal marked a new regression in respect for human rights, Germany said that neither culture, religion nor tradition could serve as an excuse for ignoring violence against women.
