Representatives of the"Dardedze" Center have emphasized that the contribution of the Istanbul Convention is a clear system for working with violence prevention, and on its basis, a violence prevention plan for 2024-2029 has also been created, including the responsibilities of all ministries and other institutions.

In turn, the law enforcement officer Karina Palkova explained that the term"social gender" highlighted by opponents of the convention refers to the social role of people, not biological sex. She pointed out that the convention is in line with the values of the Constitution. The convention does not envisage recognizing another gender, does not encourage gender reassignment, Palkova commented on the widespread misconceptions. She also pointed out that the convention does not interfere with the term family, its main goal is to prevent domestic violence. Palkova pointed out that the convention makes the prevention of violence an obligation for states and disciplines them in this area.

Judge Inga Reine of the General Court of the European Union pointed out that Latvia's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention would create a negative presumption against the country and potentially negatively affect international cooperation, but would not significantly reduce obligations.

In parallel, the majority of Saeima deputies have supported the declaration prepared by NA, ZZS and AS, which they present as an"alternative to the Istanbul Convention". The"Progressives" and JV opposed it, respectively indicating that in this way the parties that want to denounce the Istanbul Convention are trying to"whitewash themselves", to create the illusion that this declaration could in any way be an alternative to the Istanbul Convention."Marta" representative Jonīte noted that the statement of local politicians cannot replace the convention, because it does not provide for obligations and control mechanisms for the state.

In Latvia, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, or the so-called Istanbul Convention, entered into force on 1 May last year. It is an international treaty that requires its member states to develop a coordinated policy to better protect women from all forms of violence, as well as women and men from domestic violence. Among other things, member states must provide victims with comprehensive assistance and protection, crisis centres, a 24-hour crisis hotline, specialised support centres for victims of sexual violence, and protect and support children who are witnesses of violence.