The European Union calls on Turkey to adhere to the Convention on the Rights of Women | Abroad

The European Union’s foreign minister, Josep Borrell, also urged Turkey to reverse the decision. He deeply regrets the cancellation and says he does not understand the decision.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided, without discussion in the Turkish Parliament, to condemn the so-called Istanbul Agreement. The treaty was concluded in the Turkish city in 2011. Erdogan was prime minister at the time. The goals are to prevent domestic violence, better protect victims, and end impunity for the perpetrators.

The conservative Turkish government believes that the state should promote women’s rights in its own way. Vice President Fuad Aktay defended the decision that Turkey should not “imitate others.”

The opposition is also inside Turkey

There is also opposition in Turkey itself. The center-left opposition reacted with anger and thousands of people took to the streets to express their discontent. The Council of Europe, which took the lead for the conference, is also disappointed with the Turkish president’s decision. The Council, without being confused with the European Union, promotes human rights through treaties and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Turkey is also a member of the organization.