EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Saturday called on Turkey to reverse its decision to leave the EU-backed Istanbul Convention on women's rights, TASS reported.

"Now is the time to show leadership and enhance global efforts to fight violence against women and girls, not to retreat. This is why we cannot but regret deeply and express incomprehension towards the decision of the Turkish government to withdraw from this convention that even bears the name of Istanbul. This decision risks compromising the protection and fundamental rights of women and girls in Turkey," Borrell said in a Saturday statement.

The Istanbul Convention is currently ratified by 18 countries and lays down the minimum criteria for prevention of violence and ensuring protection. It also presents proposals for the development of a complex policy.