OSCE Urges Latvia to Reconsider Withdrawal from Istanbul Convention Amid Parliamentary Vote

OSCE Expresses 'Deep Concern' Over Latvia's Istanbul Convention Stance

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has expressed 'deep concern' regarding the Latvian Parliament's recent steps towards withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention. On October 28, 2025, Saara-Sofia Sirén, the OSCE Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Gender, issued a statement highlighting the potential negative impact of such a decision on women's rights and efforts to combat violence.

Sirén emphasized that if Latvia proceeds with the withdrawal, it would mark a 'serious setback for women's rights and for efforts to combat violence'. She further stated, 'The safety of women and girls, their right to protection and to a life free from violence, must not be used as tools in political games. I urge Latvia to uphold its shared international commitments.'

Latvian Parliament Advances Withdrawal Initiative

The Latvian Parliament, known as the Saeima, supported the initiative to withdraw from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, commonly referred to as the Istanbul Convention, in its first reading on October 23, 2025. This move follows an earlier vote on September 25, 2025, where the Saeima voted 55 in favor and 33 opposed to begin the withdrawal process. The bill has been designated as urgent, meaning it requires only two readings for approval, with the final reading reportedly scheduled for October 30, 2025.

Latvia had ratified the Istanbul Convention on November 30, 2023. Should the withdrawal be approved, Latvia would become the first EU member state to exit the Convention.

Divisions and Rationale Behind the Move

The initiative to withdraw has sparked considerable debate within Latvia. Supporters of the withdrawal argue that the Convention has evolved into an 'ideological instrument' rather than an effective tool for addressing violence. They suggest that resources could be more effectively allocated to national programs aimed at combating domestic violence and social issues. Some ultra-conservative groups and political parties have criticized the treaty, claiming it promotes 'gender ideology' and could lead to 'sexual experimentation' and harm children.

Conversely, the proposed withdrawal has faced strong opposition. Women's rights activists have organized protests against the move. Coalition Members of Parliament have warned of the 'reputational risks' associated with leaving the Convention. Former President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga notably linked support for denouncing the Convention to 'Putin's propaganda', urging that Latvia 'must not fall away from the core of European values!' Furthermore, Prime Minister Evika Silina has publicly stated that the treaty has 'significantly improved' assistance to victims of violence.

The Istanbul Convention: A Framework for Protection

The Istanbul Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, was opened for signature in 2011. It stands as the first legally binding instrument in Europe specifically designed to protect women from violence. The Convention mandates signatory states to undertake comprehensive measures, including:

• Preventing violence against women.
• Protecting victims of such violence.
• Ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

The only other country to have withdrawn from the Convention to date is Turkey, which did so in 2021.