Ground-breaking report on violence against women in India: UN
January 26, 2013: A new report proposing ways to tackle violence against women in
India represents a groundbreaking basis for action, the United Nations human rights
chief said on Friday, urging the Government to follow through with its recommendations.
The report was produced by the Verma Committee, which was named after former
Chief Justice Jagdish Sharan Verma and set up in the wake of the death of a 23-year-old
woman whose gang-rape in New Delhi last month sparked nationwide protests.
“This
report and its far-reaching recommendations are not only a tribute to the brave young
woman who was raped and murdered five weeks ago, but to all victims of sexual violence
and assault in India,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. “It
is also a testament to the power of the young women and men of India, and the broader
civil society, who have joined hands across the nation to say ‘Enough is Enough’.”
Pillay saluted Justice Verma and the Committee on producing a thorough report
so quickly, and for involving women’s groups and civil society so fully in the process.
The report recommends a number of far-reaching changes, including punishment
for marital rape, domestic rape and rape in same-sex relationships; requiring police
officers to register every case of reported rape and ensuring that those who fail
to do so face serious repercussions; ensuring accountability of police or armed forces
personnel for sexual violence; and punishing offences such as stalking and voyeurism
with prison terms.
Ms. Pillay praised the report for eschewing the death penalty
and any lowering of the age of juvenile perpetrators, opting instead for heavy prison
sentences ranging from seven years to life imprisonment.
The report also calls
for a change in the way rape victims are treated by changing the humiliating protocol
for medical examinations they experience; cracking down on extra-legal village councils,
known as khap panchayats, which often issue edicts against women; implementing measures
to improve sexuality education in schools and the community; and making new legal
requirements and electoral reforms to ensure that people charged with criminal offences
may not hold political office.
“The Committee’s recommendations are grounded
in a framework of rights, equality and non-discrimination, and represent a paradigm
shift towards recognition of women as holders of rights, not just objects of protection,”
Ms. Pillay said. “The report should serve as a beacon for many other countries struggling
to respect the rights of women more comprehensively by addressing sexual violence
through legislation, policies and programmes.”
Ms. Pillay acknowledged some
steps already taken by the Government, including the establishment of fast-track courts,
and urged all political leaders of the country to rally around the Verma report and
make it a national priority to execute its recommendations.