STRASBOURG, France, July 29 -- A Council of Europe convention on preventing violence against women would come into force on Aug. 1, the council announced Tuesday.

The convention obliges governments that have ratified it to take specific steps to counter all forms of violence against women, including stalking and sexual harassment, domestic violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

The "Istanbul Convention," so called because it was opened for signature in the Turkish city three years ago, is a landmark treaty, said Nils Muiznieks, human rights commissioner of the Council of Europe.

"Violence against women remains one of the most widespread human rights violations which takes place every day in Europe. Intimate partner violence is still among the major causes of non-accidental death, injury and disability for women," Muiznieks said.

According to the council, at least 12 women are killed in gender-related violence in Europe each day. In 2013, domestic violence led to deaths of 121 women in France, 134 in Italy and 143 in Britain.

"This tragic situation stems from a variety of social, economic and cultural reasons, but a common condition is glaring inequality between men and women. The convention has the potential to become a powerful driver in making progress on this pressing human rights issue," Muiznieks added.

On Tuesday, 13 Council of Europe member states ratified the convention. A further 23 European states have also signed it. However, 11 states have neither signed nor ratified the document.

The Council of Europe, which has 47 member states, is an international organization promoting cooperation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and culture.