UN urges Bangladesh to protect women

31 May, 2013 - A leading United Nations rights expert called on Bangladesh on Thursday to ensure the effective implementation of laws and measures that protect women from violence, stressing that in addition to the enforcement of policies, changes in attitudes need to occur regarding women’s role in society. “The absence of effective implementation of existing laws, the lack of responsive justice systems, and impunity for acts of violence, was the rule rather than the exception in cases of violence against women,” said the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Rashida Manjoo, who on Wednesday ended a 10-day visit to the country. The South African lawyer noted that the most pervasive form of violence against women in the country is domestic violence, with a high percentage of married women having experienced violence at the hands of their husbands and/or in-laws. Other manifestations include rape, discrimination based on ethnicity, religion and caste status, sexual harassment, forced marriages and trafficking. Stereotypical views regarding the role of women in society are obstructing efforts to empower women, Manjoo said. “Such attitudes and behaviour have the effect of perpetuating discrimination against women and girls, and contribute to the continuation of violence against them.” Manjoo commended the steps taken by the government towards legislative, policy and programmatic measures to address the development needs of women, and violence against women specifically. However, in spite of some positive developments, discrimination and violence against them continues in law and practice. To increase accountability regarding cases of violence against women, and address the systemic and structural causes of inequality and discrimination, social transformation needs to occur, Manjoo said. During her visit, Manjoo met with authorities and representatives of the civil society in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rangamati, Khulna and Jessore. (Source: UN)