UK MUST RATIFY ISTANBUL CONVENTION

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I called on the UK Government to explain why after ten years, it has still not ratified the Istanbul Convention. This is extremely concerning. In other worrying developments countries such as Turkey and Poland have now withdrawn from the Convention altogether.

Ratifying the Istanbul Convention would require the government to adhere to a basic minimum standard, and draw attention to where further action needs to be taken to raise that minimum to a higher standard. It would also help to continue the UK’s conversation on ending Violence Against Women both domestically and on the international stage.

The UK Government must urgently progress ratification of this important Convention.

Watch the exchange below.