Istanbul Convention could be up for ratification in Lithuania by 2018 – deputy socmin

In her words, the translation of the convention, specifically the definition of gender, was harmonized with translators of the European Commission about a month ago and is currently being finalized at the government.

Asked whether the government was planning to submit it for ratification this year, the vice-minister said: “I believe it could.”

Speaking at a conference organized by the European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE), Šilalienė said she was convinced that the heated discussions on definition of gender would continue in the parliament, urging to stick to the “main objective of the convention – efforts against violence.”

Supporters of the convention urge the parliament to ratify the document, saying it was the most thorough international treaty on efforts against domestic violence and abuse of women, while critics dismiss as unacceptable the definition of gender as a social construct and the obligation to teach about non-stereotypical gender roles.

It took effect in 2014 after ratification by 10 Council of Europe member-states. To date, the document has been 22 countries, including Lithuania’s neighbouring Poland and Estonia , as well as Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, etc. The convention has also been ratified by the European Union (EU).