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Commission launches campaign on violence against women

Graphic: Commission member Mohna Ansari

The campaign aims to enhance accountability of police in the registration, investigation and prosecution of cases of violence against women and girls.

The National Human Rights Commission, in association with Nepal Police, will launch a national campaign on 'Accountability of Nepal Police in Reduction of Violence Against Women and Protection of Human Rights'.

As part of the campaign, the Commission will take stock of progress to investigate the rape and murder of 14-year-old Nirmala Panta and hold discussions with the girl's family.

The campaign – to be run in all seven provinces and the Kathmandu Valley – aims to enhance accountability of police in the registration, investigation and prosecution of cases of violence against women and girls.

The NHRC said it will continue to monitor media reports of violence against women and other violations of human rights, as well as complaints filed with police.

According to Nepal Police statistics, 1,480 cases of rape, 727 cases of attempted rape, 308 cases of trafficking in persons, 62 cases of child marriage, 48 cases of violence on the charge of 'witchcraft' and 18 forced abortions were recorded in 2017-18.

A majority of victims of rape and attempted rape were girls aged between five and 16 years.


Graphic: School girls attend a presentation at the Commission


"Monitoring conducted by the NHRC shows that security personnel were involved in reconciling the victims with perpetrators, in some cases against the law," Commission member Mohna Ansari said in a statement.

"The failure of Nepal Police to bring to book the perpetrators by conducting prompt and effective criminal investigation further poses a threat to the life of the victim and gives rise to impunity," she said.

"Various complaints received by the NHRC show that rape victims have also been deprived of legal aid, medical treatment and protection."

Nepal Police has a crucial role in responding to crimes and supporting victims of rape and violence, Ansari said.

"Therefore, the NHRC would like to urge all concerned to make the investigation and prosecution process more effective and enhance access of victims to protection and justice."

Date: 6 September 2018

Source: National Human Rights Commission of Nepal


Image credits

  1. Commission member Mohna Ansari - National Human Rights Commission of Nepal
  2. School girls attend a presentation at the Commission - National Human Rights Commission of Nepal