Latvia's President Urges Parliament to Reconsider Exit from Istanbul Convention

Latvias President Edgars Rinkēvičs urged the Saeima to reconsider its recent vote to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a critical treaty addressing violence against women.

• On 31 October, Latvias Parliament, or Saeima, voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which aims to combat violence against women and domestic violence.
• President (government title) Edgars Rinkēvičs has returned the law regarding the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for further review, highlighting concerns over womens rights.
• The Istanbul Convention, established by the Council of Europe, is a landmark treaty designed to protect victims of domestic violence and promote gender equality across Europe.