"We do not support the ratification of the Istanbul Convention because regarding the implementation of its regulations it prescribes an approach based on the concept of gender, and the Hungarian Parliament does not wish to enter neither the concept of gender nor the gender approach of the Istanbul Convention into national legislation”, argues the bill submitted on May 4th 2020 by the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP), which rejects the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. They also take issue with parts of the Istanbul Convention that refer to immigration, as they think these are contrary to “Hungary’s legislative environment, which ensures effective measures against illegal immigration.”
The KDNP also declare that they reject the pressure coming from outside, which “aim to force the Hungarian Parliament to make decisions which are contrary to the interests of Hungary and the will of the majority of Hungarian people.”
The declaration calls on the government not to take any further steps towards acknowledging the mandatory power of the Istanbul Convention, and to represent in the institutions of the European Union a stance that the EU should not join the Istanbul Convention either.
They add that the protection of women and children is of course important, but Hungary has already been paying special attention to the protection of families, women and children.
From the opposition, independent MP Bernadett Szél called the declaration „more than betrayal”. Klára Dobrev from the Democratic Coalition (DK) pointed out that due to the pandemic, domestic violence is on the rise globally. “However, for the government it is still their power games that enjoy priority. Now it is hindering the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in the middle of the crisis”, she added.
The Hungarian Parliament is voting on the bill today (May 5th 2020). We will keep you informed.
