The role of NGOs in the evaluation procedures

 

Introduction

NGOs active in preventing and combating violence against women are key actors in the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Instanbul Convention) which is why, under the Convention, Parties have a legal obligation to recognise, encourage and support their work and to establish effective co-operation with them (Article 9). NGOs are also major partners in monitoring the implementation of the Convention.


GREVIO

The Group of Experts on action against violence against women and domestic violence (GREVIO), the independent expert monitoring body established by the Convention, recognises the important role which NGOs play in this field and made it clear in its Rules of Procedure (Rule 35) that NGOs and other members of civil society are vital sources of information and that all information received from NGOs will be treated as confidential by GREVIO (see below point 4. Confidentiality). NGOs are therefore strongly encouraged to give their input and share their concerns at any time.

When starting its evaluation of a particular country on the basis of a questionnaire, GREVIO will, whenever possible, invite NGOs working in that country to provide relevant information. GREVIO will also carry out visits to all parties to the Convention in order to make a more thorough assessment of the situation on the ground. During these visits its delegations will hold meetings with NGO representatives. In addition, GREVIO may consider using further means of evaluation, such as organising hearings for NGOs.

 

Committee of the Parties

In accordance with Rule 10 of the Committee of the Parties’ Rules of the Procedure, any relevant communication submitted to the Committee via the Secretariat will be brought to the attention of the Committee.

Since 2018, the Committee of the Parties has been adopting – on the basis of GREVIO’s findings - recommendations to states parties to further the implementation of the convention. States parties are given a period of three years to implement such recommendations and report back to the Committee using a standardised reporting form.

As part of this supervision procedure, non-governmental organisations, civil society and national institutions for the protection of human rights can submit information for the Committee’s consideration.

Further advice may be sought from international women’s organisations and networks such as:


How to contact GREVIO or the Committee of the Parties and submit information?

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