Revelations, on the 100th anniversary UN International Women’s Day, that the UK Government is trying to water down an international agreement to protect women against domestic and sexual violence have been condemned by the SNP.
Reports that UK officials have frustrated members of the Council of Europe with a last-minute intervention arguing that violence against women is not a violation of human rights, and that the UK Government wants the suggestion removed from the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence and replaced with a weaker phrase. In addition, it is also understood that the UK want to change the document, which has taken almost two years to negotiate, so that it only applies during peace time and not during armed conflict.
SNP International Development spokesperson, Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, who is taking part in the International Women’s Day march in Westminster today, said:
“These revelations are all the more shameful emerging on International Women’s Day and expose shocking hypocrisy on the part of the UK Government.
“On the day that the Home Office publish an action plan to end violence against women and girls, behind the scenes they are trying to water down an international agreement to protect women. It is disgraceful double standards.
“What a contrast between the UK Government and the SNP Scottish Government that is taking action improve and support women across all parts of Scottish life and to help Scottish organisations support women in developing countries.”