Hungary’s government will seek parliamentary approval to ratify the Istanbul Convention as part of a wide-ranging package of measures aimed at tackling violence against women and improving women’s rights, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced.
Hungarian government to ratify the Istanbul Convention
In a video posted on Facebook on Thursday, Péter Magyar said the government wanted to address what he described as years of neglect, during which women experiencing abuse had often been left without adequate support.
He said the measures were intended to protect Hungarian women’s safety and dignity, adding that the state must prevent violence, protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
The proposed package includes stricter restraining orders and the introduction of a separate criminal offence covering the misuse of intimate images. The government also plans to strengthen protections for sexual autonomy, making clear that sexual activity must take place with the voluntary consent of both parties.
Tougher penalties and stronger protection for victims
Victims of domestic violence would receive special treatment during criminal proceedings, Magyar said. He cited expert estimates that around 50 women die each year in Hungary as a result of intimate-partner violence.
The government also plans to change the so-called foetal heartbeat regulation, introduced under the previous administration. Under the proposed amendment, women would be able to decide whether to listen to the foetal heartbeat after receiving appropriate medical information and assistance.
Other measures include making emergency contraception available without a prescription, improving support for pregnant women and launching initiatives to tackle period poverty by helping women and girls who cannot afford essential menstrual products.
A long-delayed international commitment
Magyar described the planned ratification of the Istanbul Convention as one of the most important elements of the package and a long-standing obligation for Hungary.
The Council of Europe treaty aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. It requires signatory states to take action to protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and prevent abuse. It also recognises violence against women as a human rights violation and a form of discrimination.
Hungary signed the convention in 2014 under the previous Fidesz government but never ratified it. In May 2020, parliament adopted a resolution rejecting ratification, following an initiative by the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP).
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PM Magyar changed his mind
Supporters of the resolution argued that Hungary’s existing legal framework already provided sufficient protection, while also criticising what they described as the treaty’s approach to gender issues and migration.
The prime minister’s latest announcement shows a big change in his previously stated position. In a February 2026 interview, Magyar said he did not believe ratifying the Istanbul Convention alone would improve women’s lives, although he promised that his government would examine the issue and consult experts and the public.
Magyar said the new package had been developed with specialists and through wider public dialogue. The Justice Ministry also held talks with women’s rights organisations in October on restraining orders and measures to combat violence against women.
Read also: PM Magyar vows to protect Hungary’s borders during speech in Germany on fall of Berlin wall
