THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao and the other Caribbean countries of the Kingdom are being urged to make further progress toward implementing the Istanbul Convention, the international treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
The issue is identified as a priority in the Netherlands’ proposed 2027 Kingdom Relations budget.
A committee consisting of representatives of all four countries of the Kingdom is currently working on seven human-rights treaties that have not yet been implemented in one or more parts of the Caribbean Kingdom.
Two treaties have been given priority: the Istanbul Convention and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Dutch government says implementation of the two treaties could have a significant impact on the legal protection of vulnerable people in Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten.
However, the work still required differs from country to country.
The countries have therefore agreed to identify the legislative, administrative and practical measures that remain necessary. Implementation plans will be prepared where needed, after which the Netherlands can provide assistance if requested.
Progress on the Istanbul Convention has been slower partly because of the treaty’s scope and the complexity of implementation.
The Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Interior and Kingdom Relations are providing additional attention and support during 2026 and 2027.
The goal is to bring Curaçao and the other Caribbean countries closer to applying international standards designed to prevent violence against women, protect victims and strengthen the response to domestic violence.