Urgent Appeal for Action on Women and Children Trapped in Abusive Situations in France: A Call for Human Rights Watch's Intervention

In France, systemic failures within the judicial and legal systems have left countless women and children trapped in abusive situations, unable to seek justice or escape harmful environments. Despite France’s commitments to international human rights standards, victims of domestic violence often face institutional bias, lack of accountability, and significant delays in legal proceedings. These systemic failures not only prevent access to justice but also expose survivors to prolonged trauma, emotional distress, and physical danger.

Reports from human rights organizations and domestic violence experts consistently highlight the inadequacy of French authorities in addressing the severity of domestic violence cases. Women and children are often ignored, re-victimized, or coerced into unsafe situations because of these systemic issues. Many face further harm due to inadequate legal protection and the failure to enforce domestic violence laws effectively.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, to which France is a signatory, aims to ensure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from their country of habitual residence. However, its application in cases involving domestic violence has raised serious concerns. The Convention’s provisions may inadvertently compel the return of children to environments where they face a "grave risk" of harm due to ongoing abuse. This is particularly alarming when domestic violence is involved and has been recognized as a factor that can put children at significant risk.

While the Hague Convention is intended to protect children’s well-being, its current application fails to account for the realities of abusive households and places children in jeopardy by ignoring the risks of harm they face upon return. France’s inconsistent application of the Convention exacerbates these risks, contributing to the ongoing abuse of vulnerable individuals.

Call to Action:
We call on Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and French authorities to:

1. Investigate and address the systemic failures of France’s judicial system in responding to domestic violence and child protection cases.
2. Ensure the proper application of the Hague Convention in cases involving domestic violence, prioritizing the safety and well-being of children.
3. Advocate for immediate reform of France's legal frameworks to prevent the return of children to abusive situations under the guise of international law.
4. Strengthen legal protections for survivors of domestic violence and hold French authorities accountable for neglecting their duty to protect vulnerable individuals.