Women, as a whole, may be regarded as belonging to a social group, within the meaning of Directive 2011/95, and qualify for refugee status if the conditions laid down by that directive are satisfied. This will be the case where, in their country of origin, they are exposed, on account of their gender, to physical […]
Council approves EU accession to the Istanbul Convention
The Council has approved the EU’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). The Convention provides a binding legal framework The Convention creates a legal framework to protect women against violence. It covers a broad range of measures, from data collection and awareness raising to legal […]
Violence against women and girls: EU sanctions 9 individuals and 3 entities
The European Council decided to impose restrictive measures on nine individuals and three entities in view of their role in committing serious human rights violations and abuses, particularly sexual and gender-based violence. Today’s action reaffirms the EU’s determination to promote and protect human rights around the world. The new listings include: two acting Taliban ministers for Higher […]
Violence against women: European Parliament insists on ratification of the Istanbul Convention
The European Union must ratify the Convention on preventing and combating gender-based violence from 2021, according to a European Court of Justice ruling, Parliament insists. In a resolution adopted by 469 votes in favour, 104 against and 55 abstentions, the plenary stressed that the Istanbul Convention remains the international standard and the key instrument […]
The impact of the European Convention on Human Rights
Freedom from violence against women The Council of Europe has published a new “Freedom from violence against women” section of its dedicated website highlighting the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights, as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The new section includes twelve case studies showing how judgments from the European Court of Human […]