Croatia: Parliament Votes to Ratify European Convention on Violence against Women
Saturday, April 14, 2018 10:10 PM

The Parliament of Croatia has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). When the Croatian government formally deposits the instrument of ratification with the Council of Europe, Croatia will become the 31st country to ratify the Istanbul Convention. Croatia signed the Convention on January 22, 2013.

The Istanbul Convention, named for its adoption in Istanbul, Turkey in 2011, is Europe's first comprehensive treaty designed to combat all forms of violence against women, including stalking, sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. It requires states to strengthen their efforts in four primary areas: protection of victims, prevention of violence, prosecution of perpetrators, and provision of victim services, such as shelters and medical care.  An expert group, GREVIO, monitors state compliance with the Convention.

A current list of signatures and ratifications is available on the Council of Europe’s website.

Compiled from: Croatian Parliament Ratifies Istanbul Convention, Total Croatia News (April 13, 2018).