Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs has announced his decision to return a law concerning the nation’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention back to the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, for additional scrutiny, as reported by public broadcaster LSM.
On October 31, the Saeima voted significantly in favor of withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, a critical human rights treaty aimed at combating violence against women and domestic abuse. The vote concluded with 56 lawmakers supporting the exit, while 32 opposed, citing concerns that the treaty promotes “radical feminism based on the ideology of gender.” Two members abstained from voting.
Concerns over the message sent by withdrawal
President Rinkēvičs articulated that the decision to withdraw could convey a “contradictory message.” In a letter, he stated, “The ratification and denunciation of the Convention during one Saeima term sends a contradictory message to both Latvian society and Latvia’s allies internationally about Latvia’s readiness to fulfill its international obligations in good faith.” He further emphasized the significance of Latvia being the first European Union member state to withdraw from such an international human rights treaty, calling for careful consideration of whether this move aligns with the principles of loyalty and cooperation outlined in the Treaty on European Union.
The president suggested that it may be prudent for the upcoming parliament, which will convene following the general elections by October 3 of next year, to deliberate on this matter, proposing the Saeima postpone discussions for nearly a year.
Political landscape and ongoing debates
While the president holds the constitutional authority to urge the Saeima to reconsider its decision, he does not possess the power to reverse it unilaterally. The Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union as of 2019, was designed to unify support for women subjected to violence, including domestic violence.
Opposition to the treaty from ultra-conservative factions and political parties across Europe has intensified, with critics asserting that it promotes “gender ideology,” fosters sexual experimentation, and poses risks to children. In Latvia, the move to withdraw was initiated by opposition MPs in September, gaining traction from the Union of Greens and Farmers, a coalition partner in the tripartite ruling government led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s center-right Unity party.
Prime Minister Siliņa, who took office with a commitment to ratify the convention, has openly criticized the withdrawal efforts. She remarked on social media platform X, “Those who have been brave enough to seek help are now witnessing their experiences being used for political battles. It is cruel.”
On the day of the parliamentary vote, the European Commission reiterated that Latvia must continue to uphold international obligations regarding the protection of women. Civil society organizations have perceived the withdrawal as a regression concerning fundamental rights.
The Istanbul Convention serves as a crucial framework for preventing and addressing violence against women, with all EU member states and several other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Norway, having signed it. In 2023, the entire EU acceded to the convention, making it a binding agreement for the 27 member states in relevant areas, including public administration, judicial collaboration against crime, and asylum rights.
However, it is noteworthy that Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania have yet to ratify the convention.