name and explain the purpose of one law/legislation that protects citizens against gbv
Name and explain the purpose of one law/legislation that protects citizens against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
The Istanbul Convention:
The Istanbul Convention, officially known as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, is a groundbreaking international treaty that aims to prevent and combat gender-based violence, including domestic violence, and protect victims. Adopted in 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey, this convention sets minimum standards for signatory countries to prevent violence, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Purpose of the Istanbul Convention:
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Prevention of Violence: One of the primary objectives of the Istanbul Convention is to prevent all forms of violence against women and domestic violence. By focusing on prevention, the convention aims to address the root causes of gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.
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Protection of Victims: The convention emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support and protection for victims of gender-based violence. It requires signatory states to establish support services, shelters, and hotlines for victims, ensuring they have access to the help they need.
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Legal Framework: The Istanbul Convention sets out a legal framework for combating gender-based violence effectively. It requires states to criminalize various forms of violence against women, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as well as stalking and harassment.
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Non-Discrimination: An essential aspect of the convention is its focus on combating gender-based violence without discrimination. It recognizes that women face violence due to gender inequality and aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women to prevent such violence.
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Partnership and Cooperation: The convention highlights the importance of international cooperation and partnership in addressing gender-based violence. It calls for cooperation between governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to combat violence against women effectively.
By ratifying and implementing the Istanbul Convention, countries commit themselves to taking concrete steps to prevent and combat gender-based violence, protect victims, and create a society free from violence and discrimination.