Ambassador Keith McBean Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe deposited the instrument of ratification on Friday morning
DUBLIN, Ireland – Ireland on Friday ratified the Istanbul Convention.
The move was significant as it coincided with International Women’s Day.
The Istanbul Convention, officially known as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is an important international legal instrument which requires criminalising or legally sanctioning different forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment and psychological violence.
« Protecting and supporting victims has been a key priority for this government. Domestic and sexual violence can have devastating consequences for victims as well as society as a whole. Ratifying the Convention delivers on a government commitment and sends an important message that Ireland does not tolerate such violence. That message is all the more appropriate given that today is International Women’s Day, » the Minister for Justice and Equality, » Charlie Flanagan said Friday.
Formal ratification took place at a ceremony at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on Friday morning.
In the presence of Ms Gabriella Battaini – Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ambassador Keith McBean, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe deposited the instrument of ratification ( CETS No.210) for Ireland.
The Convention will enter into force, as regards Ireland, on the 1st of July 2019.
Council of Europe Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, was appreciative, saying: “We welcome Ireland’s ratification as yet more proof of the success of our convention, which helps to prevent violence, helps victims, and ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice.
