The third meeting of national co-ordinating bodies established under the Istanbul Convention took place on 6 November 2025 in Kalkara, Malta, hosted by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence of Malta, under the leadership of Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan.
This year’s meeting took a practical look at the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, focusing on the role of the judiciary and law enforcement authorities. Participants examined how justice systems can strengthen protection and accountability, in line with the theme of GREVIO’s first thematic evaluation round: “Building trust by delivering support, protection and justice.”
Panels featured experts from across Europe, including member states’ representatives, who shared national experiences on judicial proceedings, investigations, protection orders, and inter-agency cooperation. Speakers emphasised the importance of ensuring that victims’ encounters with the justice system are conducted with dignity, respect, and sensitivity, supported by trained professionals.
Structured workshops encouraged the exchange of ideas and the development of practical actions for national coordinating bodies, fostering innovative approaches to addressing challenges in implementation.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to advancing the goals of the Istanbul Convention and to supporting coordinating bodies in their essential role of ensuring coherent, inclusive, and effective national policies to end violence against women.
