The Istanbul Convention is crucial to protect the rights of women and the LGTBQ+ community and fight against gender-based violence. But on Thursday (1 July), despite popular opposition, Turkey officially left the Convention – also known by its official term as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

10 years ago, Turkey was the first country to sign the convention. But the continuing ban on Pride Month since 2015 and subsequent public threats have caused growing violence against the LGBTQ+ community. And violence against women and children continues to be a growing problem.

Despite conservative reactionary groups arguing against the convention, only a slim 17% of citizens approved the move while almost 64% opposed it according to a July 2020 poll. Another poll taken in August 2020 showed that only 7% approved. Many citizens have been protesting the withdrawal from this treaty in the last few months. Public figures have also made statements on the issue, such as a famous footballer recently sharing a photo of him wearing a shirt that reads ‘Powered by Pride’.

Gender-Based Violence

In particular, Turkish women have been protesting due to concerns over a further deterioration of their rights and a lack of protection from acts of violence. Feminicide is one of the main issues that women face in Turkey. Just since January 2021, 189 women have been murdered.

Rising Homophobia

It’s also clear that pulling out from the convention is linked to rising anti-gay sentiment in the country. What was once considered a safe haven for LGBTQ+ refugees in the region has become hostile to their rights and community 20 years later. Some of the most violent repression against Pride protestors has occurred this year. Homophobic rhetoric in Turkey is now coming from the highest levels of power; such as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a senior public health official.

Child Abuse

One of the key aspects of the Istanbul Convention is that of children’s rights and most importantly their protection from abuse. Although the convention contains a range of measures to prevent gender-based violence against girls, it is also written to prevent boys experiencing similar acts of violence – acknowledging that many children experience domestic violence. A recent verdict in a child abuse case caused outrage in Turkey and illustrates the lack of protection that children have.

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