HÜDA PAR's Family Presidency has called for a comprehensive review of legislation it says continues the legacy of the Istanbul Convention, urging authorities to adopt a legal framework rooted in Türkiye's Islamic values, cultural traditions, and the protection of the family institution.

In a statement marking the anniversary of the Istanbul Convention's entry into force in Türkiye on Aug. 1, 2014, the party described the treaty as an ideological document that conflicted with the nation's faith, culture, and moral values.

According to HÜDA PAR, although Türkiye officially withdrew from the convention in 2021, many of its legal and social effects continue to influence the country's legislation and public institutions.

"The Istanbul Convention, which entered into force with respect to Türkiye on Aug. 1, 2014, has taken its place in the collective memory as an ideological text and a global imposition incompatible with our nation's beliefs, culture, and family values," the statement said.

The party argued that the convention, introduced under the objective of preventing violence against women, facilitated the incorporation of policies that weaken the traditional family structure into Türkiye's legal system.

Withdrawal Described as an Important Achievement

HÜDA PAR welcomed Türkiye's withdrawal from the convention, which officially took effect on July 1, 2021, describing the decision as an important step toward protecting the country's social fabric.

"The entry into force of Türkiye's decision to withdraw from the convention has been an important achievement for our nation. However, the effects of the convention on our legal system and social structure have not been entirely eliminated," the statement said.

The party maintained that the influence of the convention remains visible through existing legislation and administrative practices.

Call to Reconsider Law No. 6284

Central to HÜDA PAR's statement was its criticism of Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women, which it said reflects the approach adopted under the Istanbul Convention.

According to the party, certain applications of the law undermine family unity by fostering conflict within households and weakening fundamental legal principles.

"Law No. 6284, which carries the spirit of the Istanbul Convention, and certain practices based on this law turn family members into parties to a conflict and produce results that undermine the presumption of innocence, the sense of justice, and family unity," the statement said.

The party called on lawmakers to review the legislation and establish a new legal framework that, in its view, aligns with Türkiye's Islamic principles, cultural heritage, and moral values while strengthening the family as the foundation of society.

Emphasis on Justice and Family Protection

While reiterating that violence against women must be addressed with determination, HÜDA PAR argued that efforts to combat violence should be implemented alongside the principles of justice, equity, and the preservation of the family institution.

The statement stressed that protecting victims, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and safeguarding the rights of innocent individuals should all be pursued simultaneously.

"Justice, equity, and family unity must be observed together. A balanced system must be established that protects the victim, punishes the perpetrator, and safeguards the rights of the innocent," it said.

Renewed Debate Over Family Policies

The statement comes amid continuing public debate in Türkiye over family policies, legal reforms, and the balance between protecting victims of domestic violence and preserving family unity. Conservative and Islamic civil society organizations have increasingly called for legislation that they say better reflects the country's religious, cultural, and social values, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening the family as the cornerstone of a stable and just society. (ILKHA)