RIGA - Several members of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada are calling on Latvia to keep faith in European values and resist disinformation about the Istanbul Convention, according to the Ukrainian lawmakers' letter to Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers).
The Ukrainian MPs note that this human rights document is being deliberately misconstrued to divide society and weaken democracy. In their view, disinformation about the Istanbul Convention has become part of the hybrid war that Russia is waging to influence European societies.
"Unfortunately, the debate on the Convention in Latvia has become a prime example of this phenomenon. Its essence is being distorted, turning it into a divisive 'culture war' issue," the letter states.
The Ukrainian parliamentarians stress that the Istanbul Convention is a statement of support for women, democracy and European values, but upholding it is also a way of rejecting foreign attempts to influence the democratic debate. They point out that the Convention is about solidarity - with women, with democracy and with Europe.
The letter points says Ukraine also faced similar challenges, but despite the full-scale war, the Verkhovna Rada ratified the Istanbul Convention in June 2022. The lawmakers describe it as "a long-awaited victory for women's rights and a firm rejection of Kremlin narratives".
The Ukrainian lawmaker thank Latvia for its support, adding that at a time when Russia is trying to sow fear and division, European countries must stand together. They note that security and democracy in Europe must never be taken for granted.
The letter is signed by more than 20 Ukrainian MPs, including Maria Mezentseva-Fedorenko, Oleksandr Merezhko, Yevhen Kravchuk, Olena Moshenets, Lesia Vasylenko, and Kira Rudik, among others.
As reported, 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' proposal for Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. The Greens/Farmers' vote on the Istanbul Convention has shaken the stability of the government coalition, with the ruling New Unity and Progressives regarding it as a breach of the coalition agreement.
In Latvia, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence entered into force on May 1 last year. It is an international treaty that requires its Member States to develop coherent policies to better protect women from all forms of violence, as well as women and men from domestic violence. These include providing comprehensive assistance and protection for victims, crisis centers, a 24-hour crisis hotline, specialized support centers for victims of sexual violence, and protection and support for child witnesses of violence.
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