European convention to fight violence against women comes into force
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The Council of Europe is taking new steps to combat violence against women under a newly ratified convention that comes into force Friday.
Thirteen European states are committing themselves to better fight violence against women following the signature of the so-called "Istanbul Convention."
The convention comes into force on Friday in 11 member states (Turkey, Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Austria, Andorra, Spain and Denmark) and will be joined by France and Sweden in November.
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"Violence against women remains one of the most widespread human rights violations which take place every day in Europe", said Nils Muiznieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement published this week.
The convention obliges governments to take measures to counter domestic violence, forced marriage, stalking and sexual violence.