PBLA sends an open letter to the Saeima regarding the proposed withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention

LNAK endorses the PBLA letter to the Saeima regarding the proposal to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention:

Honourable Members of the Saeima,

by a vote of the same parliament on May 1, 2024 ,The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, the Istanbul Convention, entered into force in Latvia. The adoption of this Convention, which is in line with the values of the Constitution, was an important step in the fight to eradicate violence, and it provided a clear framework for decision-making by the Latvian judicial system, on the basis of which a plan to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence in Latvia has been developed.

Without questioning the right of the Saeima to evaluate any international treaties or conventions, we, the PBLA, would like to stress that the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, as currently proposed by the Saeima, would be in conflict with Latvia’s international obligations and democratic principles, weakening Latvia’s public security and social unity. A possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention would have negative consequences for Latvia’s international reputation – the majority of Council of Europe member states have ratified the Convention, and almost the only countries in Europe that have not signed it are Belarus and Russia, which are outside the Council.

Denouncing this Convention, considering that Latvia has become a member of the UN Security Council for the first time, would contradict what has been our country’s foreign policy stance for many years, and this will undoubtedly undermine Latvia’s international image and undermine the confidence in us of foreign countries and allies.

In our view, it is not the Istanbul Convention that divides society, but in reality the denunciation of this Convention that will divide it, and no domestic alternative declaration by the Saeima will replace our international obligations, responsibilities, nor our legal duty. If we leave, the real losers will be our society and fellow citizens who have experienced violence in their families.

Respectfully –

Pēteris Blumbergs
PBLA president