Latvian Parliament Takes Step Towards Withdrawing from Istanbul Convention

Parliamentary Vote Initiates Withdrawal Process

On September 25, 2025, Latvia's Saeima (parliament) took a significant step towards withdrawing from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, commonly known as the Istanbul Convention. A draft request to begin the withdrawal process was supported by 55 deputies, with 33 opposing the motion. This action comes less than two years after Latvia officially ratified the convention on November 30, 2023, which subsequently entered into force in the country on May 1, 2024.

Political Divisions Emerge

The move to consider withdrawal was spearheaded by members of the opposition factions, including the National Alliance, the United List, and Latvia First, alongside deputies from the government coalition's Greens and Farmers' Union (ZZS). Conversely, the proposal faced opposition primarily from the 'New Unity' and 'Progressives' coalition parties. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) reportedly viewed the action by the ZZS as a violation of the coalition agreement, indicating potential internal government tensions.

Understanding the Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention is a landmark human rights treaty of the Council of Europe, opened for signature in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 11, 2011. Its primary objective is to oppose violence against women and domestic violence, focusing on prevention, victim protection, and ensuring perpetrators do not act with impunity. It is recognized as the first legally binding instrument to establish a comprehensive legal framework to combat violence against women. Key provisions of the convention include:

• Defining violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination.
• Obligating states to exercise due diligence in preventing violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators.
• Setting minimum standards for governments, such as establishing shelters, rape crisis centers, 24/7 helplines, and psychological counseling.
• Criminalizing various forms of violence, including psychological and physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and forced marriage.

Arguments for and Against Withdrawal

Proponents of withdrawal in Latvia have voiced several concerns. Some argue that the convention has been used as an 'ideological tool' to promote 'foreign agendas' rather than effectively reducing violence. Others contend that despite the convention's implementation, official statistics showed a modest rise in sexual violence incidents in 2024, suggesting it has not made a significant difference. Concerns have also been raised that funds allocated to Convention-related initiatives could be better utilized for addressing underlying social issues like economic inequality and domestic violence prevention. Opponents of the convention, both in Latvia and other countries, have often expressed fears that it could lead to the recognition of same-sex marriage or promote a 'gender ideology' that undermines traditional family values.

In contrast, those opposing withdrawal, including NGOs like the MARTA Centre, emphasize that the convention provides crucial instruments for saving lives and that abandoning it would signify a departure from the state's obligation to protect its citizens. They highlight that significant reforms have been implemented since Latvia's ratification, which have already provided practical benefits to victims of violence. The Constitutional Court of Latvia had previously affirmed the convention's compatibility with the Latvian Constitution in 2023.

International Context

Latvia's consideration of withdrawal follows a precedent set by Turkey, which became the first and only country to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention in 2021. The debate surrounding the convention has been contentious in several Central and Eastern European countries, often fueled by misinformation campaigns and concerns from ultra-conservative and religious groups regarding its interpretation of 'gender' and its perceived impact on traditional family structures.