INTNL LEGAL UPDATES

Beyond Asia
European Court of Human Rights calls Attention to Gender Based Violence
In a significant ruling concerning domestic violence against women, the European Court of Human Rights held that the Turkish government violated the European Convention on Human Rights and also failed to address gender-based domestic violence, which constitutes discrimination under CEDAW. The case pertained to regular and violent abuse by a husband on his wife for about a decade and mother-in-law (later killing his mother-in-law). The local authorities however, failed to protect her and her mother from violent abuse and death threats. After exhausting all domestic remedies, in Turkey the woman sought relief before the European Court of Human Rights. The court held that domestic violence was a serious problem and the governments have to take all necessary measures to protect women from it. The court cited CEDAW and other regional instruments relating to gender-based violence and put on notice all European states to review their laws, reform law enforcement policies, pursue criminal proceedings, conduct effective criminal proceedings, and develop human rights education/training in the area of domestic violence and gender-based violence.
President of Portugal Ratifies Law Allowing Same Sex Marriages
Portugal’s President has ratified a new law allowing same sex marriages in the country. The Bill was passed by the parliament in January but was pending with the President. The President while ratifying the Bill said he was doing so keeping aside his personal convictions and fearing an overturning of his decision by the liberals lest he return it. The President stated he did not see any merit in engaging in a debate on the Bill as he did not want to divert the attention of Parliamentarians from graver problems like unemployment and deepening poverty facing Portugal.


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