Hungary reviews potential ratification of Istanbul Convention

The Hungarian government is reviewing the possibility of ratifying the Istanbul Convention, which focuses on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Réka Sáfrány, president of the Hungarian Women's Rights Advocacy Association, stated that following discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family, government officials indicated they would examine the potential for ratification.

Sáfrány emphasized that adoption of the convention is not merely a legislative matter but requires a shift in mindset among authorities. She noted that police and judicial services often treat domestic violence as a private matter rather than taking appropriate action to protect victims. Furthermore, the convention aligns with European Union directives regarding the handling of domestic violence, which impose harmonization obligations on Hungary to establish adequate strategies and institutional frameworks.

The Istanbul Convention provides a comprehensive framework addressing the root causes of violence, including hierarchical social gender roles that disadvantage women. It emphasizes victim protection, institutional cooperation, and long-term prevention through measures such as school education.