The Central Union of Greek Municipalities condemns the decision of the Turkish Government to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, adopted by the Council of Europe.
This decision is a setback in the field of human rights and endangers the protection and fundamental rights of women in Turkey. It also sends a dangerous message all over the world and this has already angered both Turkey and Europe.
All countries should work to strengthen and review their commitments to end violence against women, without rejecting international treaties designed to protect women and attribute responsibilities to those who violate them.
Turkey is sending the wrong message to the European Union when it withdraws from a pact designed to tackle violence against women. This act is a return to the Middle Ages.
This is the first time in the history of the Council of Europe that a Member State has initiated the process of withdrawing from a Convention on Human Rights.
The Central Union of Greek Municipalities unites its voice with all institutions and bodies, at national and international level, that call on Turkey to reconsider its withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention.
Women in Turkey must win. It will be a victory for all women who fight for human rights and their emancipation.