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Its provisions cover women and girls, from any background, regardless of their age, race, religion, social

origin, migrant status or sexual orientation. There are groups of women and girls that are often at greater risk of

experiencing violence.

However, let me reiterate this: even if the Convention provides high standards, States are free to go well

beyond them!

- For instance, why not apply the Convention’s protection standards to other victims of domestic violence?

Women are by far the largest group of victims. But men, children and the elderly may also suffer at the hands of

their family members. They may need protection as well.

- The Convention includes a non-discrimination clause. Therefore, in my opinion it should also be applied

to women without regular residence status. In fact, this group is particularly at risk of violence and reluctant to

report it to the authorities, for fear of being expelled.

Conclusion

Dear President, Dear colleagues, distinguished participants,

, we came here today to discuss how to establish new European standards for the protection of women from

gender-based violence. These standards already exist and are embodied in the Istanbul Convention.

By enforcing this convention, we can break the vicious circle of gender inequality and violence against

women. This would be the best way to counter gender-based violence effectively.

To achieve this goal, we must reach the number of 10 ratifications for the Convention to enter into force. As

many as 32 Council of Europe member states have signed the Convention. Six have deposited the instrument

of ratification, Austria will do so on 14 November. I urge you to do your best to ensure that the instrument of

ratification of Serbia is also deposited as soon as possible. and two only need to deposit the ratification

instrument. Now that only two are missing, there is no time to waste.

I call on all of you to do your utmost for your respective countries to sign, if they have not already done so,

and ratify the Istanbul Convention.

We need the Convention to enter into force. Now it’s already too late.

Thank you.

ANEXO B

Speech by M. Mendes Bota, Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women of the Parliamentary

Assembly of the Council of Europe at the International Conference on “How women’s movements

influenced state policies”, organized by the Autonomous Women’s Center

Belgrade, Serbia, 11th November 2013

“The Participation of Women’s NGOs in the process of creation

of the Istanbul Convention and its promotion”

Introduction

Dear Chairperson, Special Rapporteur, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished participants,

It is an honor for me to be here at this Conference and discuss with you the important role that non-

governmental organizations can play in the promotion of the Istanbul Convention and therefore, more generally,

in the fight on violence against women.

Everybody has a role to play in this fight: Governments, Parliamentarians, civil society and even individuals

can make a contribution. I came here today to tell you that NGOs have a crucial role to play.