Czechia will not adopt the so-called Istanbul Convention

The Czech Republic will no longer continue the process of adopting the so-called Istanbul Convention on violence against women and domestic violence. At its most recent meeting on Monday, the government withdrew the previous cabinet’s approval for ratifying the document.

Czechia signed the Council of Europe convention in 2016. The previous government approved the ratification process in June 2023, but six months later the Senate of the Czech Republic did not approve the document.

According to opponents, the convention is unnecessary, contains elements of gender ideology, pits women against men, and addresses issues that are already covered by Czech law. Supporters argue that adopting the document would represent a commitment by the Czech Republic to ensure adequate support services for those in need and to affirm that violence is unacceptable in the country.