24 Mar 2018 | 04:28 PM UTC
Croatia: Thousands protest in Zagreb March 24
Conservative and far-right groups march through Zagreb against the ratification of the Istanbul Convention March 24; further protests possible
Event
Conservative groups, including the Catholic Church, and far-right organizations held a protest against a Council of Europe treaty in the capital of Zagreb on Saturday, March 24. Thousands of people participated in the march against the Istanbul Convention, which was supported by the government earlier in the week. The treaty still has to be ratified by parliament before it it can be adopted. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming weeks, particularly in the convention is ratified.
Context
The Istanbul Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, was adopted in 2011. It aims to protect women from violence and domestic abuse and has been signed by 46 countries and the European Union. Conservative groups in Croatia say they do not oppose the main goals of the treaty, but claim that it changes the definition of gender by recognizing transsexual and transgender people. Bulgaria and Slovakia have also rejected the treaty for similar reasons.
Advice
Individuals in Croatia are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.
