Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib, on behalf of the European Commission, and High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, issued the following statement: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the European Union renews its determination to end […]
Parliament calls for ambitious gender equality strategy
MEPs want concrete EU action on gender-based violence and issues related to women’s health, employment and political representation. In the report, adopted with 310 votes in favour, 222 against and 68 abstentions, MEPs urge the Commission to present an ambitious gender equality strategy for 2026-2030, with concrete legislative and non-legislative measures in key areas. Strengthening […]
Violence against women and domestic violence: EU equality ministers call for stronger focus on prevention, early detection and intervention
Recognising the vital role that ordinary citizens can play in preventing abuse, the Council has approved conclusions calling for greater efforts to empower bystanders to help combat violence against women and domestic violence. In their conclusions, EU equality ministers underline that awareness, education and societal support are key to ensuring that bystanders can recognise abuse, […]
Council adopts first-ever EU law on violence against women
The Council has given the green light to an EU directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Taking decisive action against these acts of violence is essential to ensure the values and fundamental rights of equality between women and men and of non-discrimination. The law requires all EU countries to criminalise female genital […]
Violence against women: the Court clarifies the conditions for qualifying for international protection
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 […]