RIGA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 5,000 people gathered outside the parliament building in Riga, Latvia, on Wednesday evening to protest against the country's possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at protecting women from violence.
The protest began at 6:00 p.m. and concluded around 7:30 p.m., with participants dispersing peacefully. No incidents were reported during the event.
The demonstration took place as members of parliament (MPs) were preparing for the final reading of a bill proposing Latvia's withdrawal from the Convention. The Saeima (parliament) had earlier approved the draft law in its first reading by 52 votes, and is expected to hold the second and final vote on Thursday.
According to the Crisis Center Marta, an independent non-governmental organization, the proposal has sparked public outrage, as it "threatens the progress made so far in the field of human rights and gender equality."
The Istanbul Convention came into force in Latvia in May 2024, after being ratified by the country's tripartite coalition government. However, the opposition's proposal to withdraw from the treaty has divided the ruling coalition, with one of its partners, the Union of Greens and Farmers, backing the opposition's stance.
Supporters of the withdrawal argue that the Convention undermines traditional family structures and national values, while critics say leaving the treaty would weaken protections for women and set back gender equality efforts. ■
