Latvian MPs vote to pull out of treaty on protecting women from violence
Summary
Latvian MPs voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at protecting women from violence. The vote to leave the treaty faced protests and is now awaiting President Edgars Rinkevics's decision on whether to approve it. Latvia became the first EU country to attempt leaving the Convention, following Turkey in 2021.Key Facts
- Latvian MPs voted 56 to 32 to leave the Istanbul Convention, a treaty against violence towards women.
- The Istanbul Convention was ratified by the EU in 2023 and came into force in Latvia last year.
- Protests occurred in Riga opposing the decision, with 22,000 people signing a petition against it.
- President Edgars Rinkevics will decide whether to approve the withdrawal from the treaty.
- Latvia is the first European Union country to attempt to leave the Convention.
- Some opposition was based on views that the treaty's gender focus undermines traditional family values.
- The vote was supported by opposition parties and some government coalition members.
- The decision has sparked critical reactions both within Latvia and internationally, with concerns about women's rights.
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