UN to assess violence against women rapporteur to visit India

The United Nations has decided to send a special rapporteur to assess violence against women in India. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) expert on violence against women, Rashida Manjoo, will visit India from April 22 to May 1, a release by the UN said on Wednesday.

The special rapporteur will meet government authorities and civil society members in Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu among others.

Manjoo will present a report containing her findings and recommendations before the UNHRC.

Manjoo’s visit would be the first by an independent expert of the UNHRC to assess the overall situation of violence against women in the country.

“Violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, affecting every country in the world,” Manjoo said in a communication. “I believe India is in an unique moment in history to address the issue of violence against women and further advance women’s rights in the country.”

“I intend to look into violence against women, its causes and consequences, in its broadest possible sense,” she said. Referring to the infamous Delhi gang-rape case, Manjoo said: “Recent events, including the tragedy of a young woman who was brutally gang-raped, have provided an opportunity for further reflection on laws, policies and practices and the barriers to, and challenges of, effective implementation.”