Gender equality is central to human rights protection, the functioning of democracy and good governance, as well as respect for the rule of law and the promotion of well-being for all. The GCJ Network couldn’t be more relevant, in your Region, and across Europe as a whole. I am proud to be one of its patrons.

I’m honoured to be President of the Board of Patrons of the GCJ Network. Gender based discrimination in any form, and most particularly violence against women, must be fought at all costs. I have dedicated my career, not least the last 9 years as a Judge then President of the European Court of Human Rights, to securing equality of men and women as a most fundamental human right. Judges are on the front line of this battle, especially so in the region. Men and women must play their role here with equal strength. I look forward to playing my role and giving the network my full support.

In times of great challenges, which further exacerbate the violence and discrimination that women and girls face on a daily basis, the Istanbul Convention remains our beacon in eradicating this phenomenon, challenging the patriarchal attitudes that enable it, ensuring the protection of victims and punishing perpetrators and raising awareness. effect on women and girls, as well as on society as a whole

Gender equality is such a value that highlights human dignity and human integrity as the inherence of all human beings. The goal to achieve this value involves all of us, regardless of the one’s sex, self-identification or affiliations. We all have a role to play in promoting gender equality in all spheres of life. But, judges have a decisive role in protection against gender-based discrimination, violence and abuse. Being one of the patrons of the Network makes me honoured.