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SI Position on withdrawal of countries from the Istanbul Convention

Since 1921, Soroptimist International (SI) has been founded on the principles of human rights, social and economic justice, equality, peace, and international goodwill to transform the lives of girls and women of all ages, through our international partnerships, and our global network of members. SI is a worldwide volunteer organisation for women, in 3000 communities in 121 countries; every one of those members is opposed to all forms of violence against women and girls.

It is with great concern that we learn that there is a move by several countries who have already signed up to withdraw from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (otherwise known as the Istanbul Convention) thus undermining legislative protection for women and girls in those countries.

Read the full position statement from Soroptimist International