International Women's Day Event
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Thursday 7 March 2013
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Speakers: Louise de Sousa; Elda Moreno; Pragna Patel
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Chair: Professor Christine Chinkin
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#LSEWomen
The Istanbul Convention is the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. It is the first legally binding instrument in Europe and in terms of scope the most advanced treaty in the world creating a 
comprehensive legal framework to prevent violence, to protect victims and to end the impunity of perpetrators. It defines and criminalises various forms of violence against women (including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, stalking, physical and psychological violence and sexual violence). It also foresees the establishment of an international group of independent experts to monitor its implementation at national level.
The speakers
Louise de Sousa is Head of Human Rights and Democracy Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Elda Moreno is Head of Gender Equality and Human Dignity Department, Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe.
Pragna Patel is a founding member of Southall Black Sisters.
Christine Chinkin is Professor of International Law at LSE and was Scientific Advisor to the drafting committee of the Istanbul Convention.
Recording & transcripts
Audio recording of the event
Text of Elda Moreno's presentation (PDF)
Text of Louise de Sousa's presentation (PDF)
Text of Pragna Patel's presentation (PDF)