There is No Higher Priority in the New Year than Addressing
Violence Against Women and Girls
The UN in India is deeply moved and saddened by the gang rape and death of the 23 year old student in Delhi.
“We are extremely concerned about the number of rape cases throughout India and the widespread pattern of violence against women,” said Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident Coordinator in India
“It is alarming that too many of these cases are children. One in three of the rape victims is a child. More than 7,200* children, including infants are raped every year. Given the stigma attached to rapes, especially when it comes to children, this most likely is only the tip of the ice berg,” said Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF Representative to India.
“The steps being taken by the Government of India to strengthen safety measures for women and girls are welcome and urgent. In the months ahead, it will be equally important that authorities and civil society work together to address the underlying causes of violence against women and girls,” said Ms. Grande and Mr. Arsenault.
“The mind-set towards the girl child and women needs to change. India is growing and advancing rapidly but it is deeply worrying that many women have little say in their homes and communities and are viewed as liabilities. Girls and women need to be valued, respected and feel safe, not only within the confines of their homes but also in public spaces,” emphasised Ms. Grande and Mr. Arsenault.
The UN stands ready to provide support to the Government and civil society to address violence against women. As we enter the new year of 2013, there is no higher priority.
Lise Grande Louis-Georges Arsenault
UN Resident Coordinator & UNICEF India Representative
UNDP Resident Representative
*Annual Report from National Crime Record Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2011
This is the exact press release statement being reproduced as it is .
