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Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5

The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s. Some nations say they oppose it based on sovereignty concerns.

The French grassroots movement #NousToutes held nationwide marches to protest violence against women on November 24, 2018.
The French grassroots movement #NousToutes held nationwide marches to protest violence against women on November 24, 2018. (AN/Jeanne Menjoulet)

The Istanbul Convention, which introduced legal standards throughout Europe on gender-based violence, has turned five years old but still lacks the participation of more than a quarter of sponsor Council of Europe's 47 member nations.

The first legally binding and comprehensive treaty to fight violence against women and girls entered into force on August 1, 2014, after it was ratified by 10 COE member nations.

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