ENNHRI expresses deep concern regarding the Latvian Parliament’s recent decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which only entered into force in Latvia in May 2024. ENNHRI will address this development directly with both the Latvian President and the Parliament, and welcomes the President’s decision to refer the matter to the next Parliament. This offers an opportunity for future lawmakers in 2026 to remain party to the Istanbul Convention.

The Istanbul Convention assigns an explicit role to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in shaping and monitoring national policies to prevent and combat violence against women. The Latvian NHRI has fulfilled this role by engaging in parliamentary debates and urging Latvia to remain party to the Istanbul Convention.

The Istanbul Convention remains Europe’s first and most comprehensive legally binding instrument against gender-based and domestic violence against women. Stepping back from it risks diminishing survivor protections, creating gaps in access to justice, and undermining long-standing European and international standards. Such a withdrawal may also create inconsistencies with Latvia’s obligations under European Union (EU) law, given the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and its commitments on gender equality and non-discrimination.

ENNHRI calls on the Latvian Parliament to reconsider the withdrawal and reaffirm their commitment to preventing gender-based violence and protecting victims. Latvian authorities should uphold international obligations, including under EU law, and work closely with the Latvian NHRI to ensure full implementation of measures to prevent gender-based violence, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.