The parliamentary Committee on the Family supports Istanbul convention

Zagreb - The parliamentary Committee on the Family, Youth and Sports on Tuesday supported by a majority vote the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

Only one member of the committee voted against - Hrvoje Zekanović of the Hrast Party.

Addressing concerns expressed by a share of Croatia's society regarding the Istanbul Convention, the Government adopted an interpretive statement alongside a bill on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention which says the aim of the Convention is protection of women from all forms of violence, that its provisions do not contain the obligation to introduce gender ideology in Croatia's legal and educational system, and that the Convention is in line with constitutional provisions, notably on protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"The Republic of Croatia believes the goal of the Convention is the protection of women from all forms of violence and the prevention, prosecution and elimination of violence against women and domestic violence," the interpretive statement says, adding that "Croatia believes the Convention's provisions do not contain the obligation to introduce gender ideology in Croatia's legal and education system nor the obligation to change the constitutional definition of marriage."

Demography, Family Affairs and Social Policy Minister Nada Murganić said gender ideology was raised as an issue during debates on the Istanbul Convention which is why the government adopted the interpretive statement alongside the ratification bill.

Parliament is expected to discuss the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on Wednesday.(Hina)