International conference on domestic violence begins in Minsk today

MINSK, 9 July 2004 - A two-day international conference on how best to combat domestic violence began in Minsk today. The event is being supported by the OSCE Office in Minsk.

More than 50 conference participants will discuss the legal and practical aspects of domestic violence, possible legislative solutions and the role of government bodies in the fight against this crime.

"Domestic violence is an infringement of a person's fundamental human rights," Ambassador Eberhard Heyken, Head of the OSCE Office, said at the opening of the conference.

"If we fail to address this crime it will undermine the OSCE's determination to eradicate violence against all human beings, men and women, and to create a safer environment for people at every level. Experience shows that effective mechanisms against domestic violence require a comprehensive approach and active cooperation among police, the judiciary and civil society."

The participants will also discuss a draft law on the prevention of family violence, the prospects for its adoption and the experience of other countries where such legislation already exists.

The organizer of the conference is the local non-governmental organization, Legal Initiative. Some 50 local and international academics, lawyers, social workers, members of parliament, representatives of non-governmental organizations and of judicial and law enforcement bodies have been invited to attend the event.