As delivered by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Dear Friends,

This Conference has provided a timely and necessary opportunity to reflect on what the Istanbul Convention has achieved over the course of the past ten years;

And why it remains the best way to support the millions of women in Europe who need its protection.

But today also allows us to discuss the problems that it has encountered and how these should be approached.

I am grateful to all the speakers who have shared their time, experience and expertise with us – not just today, but in the broader effort in which we stand shoulder to shoulder.

And I think that we owe particular thanks to Franziska Giffey and indeed the German government for making our commitment to the Istanbul Convention a priority of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

In her speech at the opening, the Secretary General highlighted the benefits that are unique to a multilateral approach for dealing with violence against women.

And this Conference has heard many testimonies and examples of where intergovernmental co-operation and GREVIO’s monitoring and assistance have helped national authorities to make meaningful change:

Both through the exchange of ideas, experience and best practice –

And the provision of specific, tailor-made guidance.

Because of all this, we see important developments in those countries that have ratified the Istanbul Convention:

For example, the launch of new national telephone helplines;

The opening of specialist support services available to victims;

And domestic legislation that better defines, addresses and criminalises various aspects of violence against women.

An increase in financial resources, earmarked for preventing and combating such offences, has been important too; Helping governments to ensure sustainable measures.

All this progress owes a lot to the work of women’s rights and civil society organisations.

I am glad that we have you as partners.

But crucially, you have also helped governments to implement measures in ways that are effective and sensitive to the realities on the ground.

Whether assisting victims directly, raising awareness of the issues, or providing governments with the facts they need for policy-making –

There is no doubt, women’s rights and civil society organisations remain central for moving forwards.

But, there is of course more to do. Much more.

We must counter the myths and the misunderstandings that are out there about the Istanbul Convention.

We must expand that circle of states parties so that more women benefit, as the Secretary General has underlined.

And there is only one way to achieve this - by working ever harder and in ever greater unity!

On this, you can be assured of the Council of Europe’s firm and unwavering commitment.

And that support comes from across the Organisation, the Secretary General and myself, the Parliamentary Assembly, the European Court of Human Rights and the Venice Commission.

The Parliamentary Assembly has passed resolutions calling for the ratification and implementation of the treaty;

But more than that, its delegates are also able to facilitate debates in their national parliaments, literally bringing the facts home.

And this matters both for profile and progress.

Similarly, GREVIO and our Organisation as a whole will continue to work with like-minded international bodies that are seeking similar ends.

Strong relationships have already been forged with the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence and Women –

And within the Platform of Independent Expert Mechanisms on Discrimination and Violence against Women.

Through these, information is shared, insights are gained, and actions and strategies are coordinated.

This supports the implementation of international law and defends the interests of women in Europe and around the world.

An essential role that is also played by our landmark 2019 recommendation on preventing and combating sexism, through which progress has been achieved, but more must be done.

So…no shortage of work to do, but no lack of dedication and ambition either.

The Council of Europe stands with women, against violence, and for the safety, security and equality in which everyone has a right to live.

This is what we must do – together.

Thank you.