The WAVE Network stands in solidarity with Latvian women, girls, and feminist civil society as the Latvian Parliament prepares to vote on a proposal to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, the landmark European treaty protecting women and children from violence.

If adopted, Latvia would become only the second country in Europe to withdraw, following Türkiye, where femicides surged after withdrawal. Such a move would undermine hard-won reforms that have strengthened Latvia’s justice system, established its first national action plan on violence against women, and improved protection for survivors.

The proposal, driven by misinformation and political fear-mongering, threatens to roll back progress and isolate Latvia from its European and international human-rights commitments. WAVE recognises and supports the leadership of our Latvian member organisations, the MARTA Centre, the Krīžu un Konsultāciju Centrs “Skalbes,” and the Latvian Women’s NGO Cooperation Network, who are calling for Parliament to reject the withdrawal and uphold the country’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention.

WAVE urges the Latvian Government to vote NO on de-ratification, listen to the expertise of women’s rights organisations, and ensure that survivors’ safety and dignity remain non-negotiable.

Read our full statement here.

Sincerely,
The WAVE Network