The SR on Violence against Women, Rashida Manjoo has submitted her report on her country mission to India, from 22nd April to 1st May on 2013. In the report, the Special Rapporteur examines violence against women in the country, including root causes and consequences, and the implications of such violence on the effective exercise of human rights by women. She also discusses the State’s responses and provides recommendations. The report, while acknowledging the legislative measures taken to address sexual violence against women, also highlighted the fact that ‘significant gaps remain in the legislative framework as regards the failure to recognize all forms of violence against women and to adopt a holistic approach which addresses the root and structural causes of violence against women’. The report expressed concern at the deeply entrenched patriarchal social and cultural norms, and the pervasive gender stereotypes.
The report also makes several policy recommendations. It suggests that the government ratify all outstanding international human rights instruments, review the provision for death penalty in the newly amended rape laws (Sec 376 A of the IPC), and include a provision for marital rape as an offence. The report recommends that the government repeal Sec 377 of the IPC, criminalizing homosexuality. The report also recommends the repealing of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
The report also asked the government to design and launch targeted awareness-raising campaigns at the community level on harmful customary practices, including dowry-related practices, acid attacks, so-called honour crimes and witch-hunting.
You can find the entire report here.
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