Conference "Violence against Women - Implementation of the Istanbul Convention and Resistance to Retrograde Processes"

Today, we are talking about one of the most severe and yet the most tolerated violations of human rights in the world and something that is a huge threat to our global development.

Ending violence against women is one of key UN priorities, critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goal number 5 – gender equality and women’s empowerment –  one of 17 goals which compose together the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Adopted by 193 UN member countries, Agenda 2030 present a bold global vision for future development that balances environmental, economic and social goals – and a world in which no one is left behind.

As recent study conducted by UNDP and financed by the EU shows, 1 in 2 or every other woman in Montenegro has been a victim of violence at some point in her lifetime, and 1 in 5 women suffered violence during the previous year.  But don`t let us be misled that these women are the only ones affected.  Violence destroys families and causes that pass from generation to generation, consequences in terms of deterioration of health and wellbeing, lowered fertility rate, loss of human capital, and ultimately a significant financial cost - as much as 6% of the Montenegro`s annual GDP. To use the very economic terms - we cannot afford to ignore violence and not invest in system-wide reforms to effectively fight it.

And in order to effectively deal with gender-based violence, we need to target its causes from all levels.  Starting with structural causes, we need to tackle the power imbalance between women and men, traditionally assigned gender roles and the discrimination women face on an everyday basis because of this.

In addition, we need to improve legislation, but also health, justice, police and social services’ response to violence, and empower women to be economically independent.  And on the top of it, we need to ensure adequate sanctioning of perpetrators and protection of victims.

Having said this, I must now emphasize that all of these strategies for interventions have been already recognized in the Istanbul Convention.  A number of solutions are here, in our hands, and the only thing that is needed, the fifth element, is the political will to put an end to the lack of accountability for non-performance and to tolerating violence against women.

Today, we are witness to an abundance of political will, presented not only by women politicians, but also by a number of high Government officials joining us at the Conference.  I expect this commitment will be translated into actions to implement the GREVIO recommendations in the mandate of each of the sectors or ministries represented. Inter-sectoral cooperation is key to enforcing laws and ensuring prevention, protection, and prosecution - the key principles of the Istanbul Convention.  

Therefore, I would like to use this opportunity to call for a strong joint action to implement commitments made with ratification of Istanbul Convention and improve the quality and accessibility of services for all women, regardless of their location, ethnicity, age or social status. We also need to recognize NGOs as fully-fledged partners, not only as providers of shelters, psychosocial and legal support to victims of violence, but also as agents to create behavioral change at all levels of the society, and through them addressing the number one root cause of violence - patriarchal male-dominated society.

I extend my warmest regards to all of you brave women gathered here today working on the joint task to break taboos and make sure words are put into action, but also to my male colleagues who through their active support and action show what it means to be a modern leader.

Thank you.