UN statement in wake of recent joint letter by UK MPs, Global Ambedkarites, women rights and other organisations seeking CM Yogi's dismissal
UN in India calls attention to cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India
The UN Resident Coordinator in India issued the following statement on 4 October 2020:
The UN in India is profoundly saddened and concerned at the
continuing cases of sexual violence against women and girls in India. The
recent cases of alleged rape and murder in Hathras and Balarampur are another
reminder that despite the impressive progress made on a number of social
indicators, women and girls from disadvantaged social groups face additional
vulnerabilities and are at greater risk of gender-based violence. Our thoughts
and prayers are with all the women and children who face such
atrocities, as well as with their families.
The steps being taken by the Government of India to strengthen safety measures for women and girls are welcome and urgent. We support the Prime Minister’s call for strict action against the culprits. It is essential that authorities ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice speedily, and that families be empowered to seek timely justice, social support, counseling, healthcare and rehabilitation. Entrenched social norms and behavior of men and boys that lead to gender based violence must be addressed.
The UN stands committed to providing continued support to
the Government and civil society to address violence against women. As we fight
the challenge of COVID-19 with the determination to build back better India,
building respectful relationships devoid of prejudices and gender biases is a
top priority.
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