On Thursday, 30 October, the Saeima adopted in the final reading an urgent draft law providing for Latvia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

The Foreign Affairs Committee, which was responsible for the progress of the draft law in the Saeima, examined the draft law in five meetings. Representatives from several ministries took part in the meetings – the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Health. The Ombudsperson Karina Palkova also presented her views on the matter. Representatives of the civil society likewise participated in the meetings.

Earlier, on 16 October, the Saeima adopted a declaration on the prevention and elimination of violence against women and domestic violence. The declaration tasks the Cabinet of Ministers with drafting a comprehensive law to prevent and combat violence against women, children, and domestic violence, as well as violence in general. The declaration also emphasises the obligation to promote international cooperation, as well as to provide support and assistance to organisations and law enforcement agencies in order to effectively implement a unified approach to eradicating violence.

The Istanbul Convention entered into force in Latvia on 1 May 2024. It obliges the parties to establish a robust legal and practical framework to protect women and other victims of violence and to provide comprehensive assistance and support.

Saeima Press Service