The Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, Belém do Pará Convention, marks its 30th anniversary in June 2024.

Three decades ago, its adoption was a pivotal moment for the region and the world: for the first time, violence against women was recognized as a violation of their human rights, and their right to live free from all forms of violence was enshrined.

Since then, the Belém do Pará Convention has become the regional framework of reference for addressing violence against women. Its adoption, along with the political will of the 32 States in Latin America and the Caribbean that ratified it, has given unprecedented momentum to the development of comprehensive laws, the formulation of public policies and national plans, and the establishment of legal standards that have led to greater protection for women and girls in the region.

The Convention’s innovative concepts have been a fundamental tool for States, civil society organizations, the feminist movement, women’s organizations, and social movements in their efforts to advance the recognition and defense of women’s human rights.

Additionally, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI). Through monitoring and follow-up on the effective implementation of the Convention, the MESECVI has contributed to efforts to eradicate gender-based violence in our societies.

In the context of both anniversaries, various events and commemorative activities will be carried out throughout 2024-2025.