Latvia domestic violence treaty faces protest from activists

Women’s rights activists held a demonstration in Latvia on Wednesday to protest the country’s potential withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women. The demonstration involved activists taping their mouths shut and sitting in front of a table marked with handprints.

The protest follows a recent decision by Latvian lawmakers to initiate a process that could lead to the country’s exit from the treaty.

Background on the Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, aims to standardize support for victims of violence, including domestic abuse. Latvia ratified the treaty in 2023.

Criticism of the Convention

Ultra-conservative groups and political parties across Europe have voiced concerns about the treaty, arguing it promotes “gender ideology,” encourages sexual experimentation, and is detrimental to children. In 2020, Poland’s previous conservative nationalist government attempted to rally support for an alternative treaty that would prohibit abortion and same-sex marriage.

Latvian Political Debate

During parliamentary debate, Latvian lawmaker Linda Liepina expressed concerns about the influence of foreign ideologies, stating that “common sense and balance are disappearing, how the abnormal is being made normal.” Marta Kraujina from the MARTA Center, a charity supporting female victims of violence, believes political parties are targeting the Istanbul Convention to appeal to conservative voters ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. She stated the move is a “first trial for their future electoral campaign.”

Impact and Government Response

The MARTA Center asserts that the treaty’s ratification has resulted in improvements to criminal law and crisis support services, encouraging women to seek assistance. Prime Minister Evika Silina, on Tuesday, used social media to highlight the treaty’s positive impact on victim support, emphasizing that those who have sought help are now witnessing their experiences being used in political disputes. Her governing coalition committed to ratifying the treaty in 2023.