İSTANBUL - 26 non-governmental organizations and initiatives have released a joint statement in defense of İstanbul Convention amid ongoing debates on Turkey’s possible withdrawal. “İstanbul Convention keeps one alive,” the statement has emphasized.

 

26 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and initiatives, including PEN Turkey Center, Association for Monitoring Equal Rights and the Initiative for Freedom of Expression, have released a joint statement, once again reiterating that "İstanbul Convention keeps one alive."

 

The full statement is as follows:

 

"If İstanbul Convention had been implemented, 163 women might not have been killed since January 2020 and 32 women might not have been killed in July 2020 by the men who were closest to them.

 

"Police violence inflicted on the women who express their demands within their Constitutional rights means making the state a party to the crime. Seek ways to implement İstanbul Convention, not to withdraw from it."

 

The undersigned:

2017 Bodrum Citizen Initiative,

78's Initiative,

Alevi Philosophy Center,

Ankara 78's Initiative,

Ankara Initiative for Freedom to Thought,

Daktilo 1984,

Unity for Democracy (DİB),

Democratic Alevi Associations,

Religious Scholar Association (DİAYDER),

Dialogue Group,

Eastern-Southeastern Associations (DGD) Platform Women's Assembly,

Eastern-Southeastern Associations (DGD) Platform,

Initiative for Freedom of Expression,

Association for Monitoring Equal Rights,

Assurance Movement,

Right and Justice Platform,

Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK),

Actors' Union of Turkey,

Freedom Research Association,

PEN Turkey Center,

Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association,

SODEV (Social Democracy Foundation),

Turkish Writers' Union (TYS),

University Faculty Members Association (ÜNİVDER),

Citizen Initiative,

Citizens Assembly.