As a human rights issue, gender equality and gender-based violence are addressed firstly by human rights instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter.

The growing awareness of the extent and persistence of the problem has led to the creation of specific instruments addressing gender-based violence in its various forms.

The European Convention on Human Rights

The European Social Charter

The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention)

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention)

The Convention on Action Against Trafficking

Recommendation on the Protection of Women Against Violence

Recommendation on sexual orientation and gender identity

Recommendation on Preventing and Combating Sexism