Alternative to Istanbul Convention leaves no room for ideological interpretations - Greens/Farmers politician

RIGA - The "alternative to the so-called Istanbul Convention", drafted by the National Alliance, the Union of Greens and Farmers and the United List, does not give room for ideological interpretations, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) said after a meeting with representatives of the Marta crisis centre.

Mierina discussed with the representatives of the centre the three-party statement on the prevention and investigation of violence against women and domestic violence, which they present as an "alternative to the Istanbul Convention".

"This declaration gives no room for ideological interpretations, but focuses directly on the prevention of violence, instructing the Cabinet of Ministers to develop a comprehensive law to reduce violence in general", said Mierina, according to whom "this is not the time for mutual insults and splitting up the society, but what is acutely lacking now is a respectful dialogue between all parties".

Mierina also promised to consider organizing a conference in the Saeima to raise awareness about violence and its consequences.

As reported, lawmakers of the National Alliance, the Union of Greens and Farmers and the United List have signed and submitted to the Saeima a declaration, which confirms the state's determination to take targeted action to protect everyone from violence, especially women and children, and provides for the implementation of appropriate solutions at the legislative level.

MPs on Thursday voted to include the bill on the October 16 Saeima agenda. 79 MPs voted for including the bill on the agenda of the next Saeima sitting, while only MPs from the Progressives voted against.

The declaration submitted to the Saeima provides for a new comprehensive law on the prevention and eradication of violence against women, children and domestic violence, as well as violence in general, to be drafted by March 1, 2026. The law would establish the state's obligation to actively address violence, provide protection and support for victims - legal, psychological and social assistance - establish strict liability for both acts of violence and inactivity by public authorities, and regulate data collection, institutional cooperation and public education on violence prevention.

The National Alliance stressed that real results can only be achieved if concrete, workable norms that address the substance of the problem are incorporated into national legislation.

It has also been reported that thanks to the support of the ruling coalition partner, the Union of Greens and Farmers, the Saeima at the end of September handed over to the foreign affairs committee the opposition MPs' idea to denounce the so-called Istanbul Convention, which would mean withdrawal from it. While 55 MPs voted in favor of sending the bill to the committee, 33 voted against. Coalition MPs from New Unity and Progressives voted against the bill, while MPs from Greens/Farmers voted in favor.