Deploring the rape of a five-year -old child in Delhi, UN Women today stressed the "urgent need" to promote and protect the rights of girls in India besides speedy implementation of the recently passed Criminal Law (Amendment) Act.
"UN Women joins the government, civil society and UN agencies in calling for focused and time bound public action against the perpetrators and also urges for the speedy application of the recently passed Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013," it said in a statement.
Observing that tougher action is needed to transform the present reality and culture of impunity, the organisation suggested, "urgent measures to address systemic structural and cultural issues that de-value women and girls."
"As this case highlights, there is a pressing need for institutions like the police to be more accountable and responsive," the world body said as it referred to a UN women study which had revealed that 73 per cent of women in Delhi do not feel safe in their own surroundings.
"The landmark Justice Verma Committee report called upon urgent police reforms. As we mourn the passing away of Justice Verma last evening, it would be a fitting tribute to take immediate action to inspire greater confidence in the police force," it said.
India needs to build a comprehensive and long-term plan for prevention of violence against women, it said.
The outcome of the recently concluded 57th session of the Commission on Status of Women urges all member states, including India, to devote particular attention to abolish practices and legislation that discriminate against women and girls, or perpetuate and condone violence against them, it said.
