PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN, GENEVA
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
35th SESSION (6th to 23rd June, 2017)
Panel Discussion on Human Rights of Women
(13 June, 2017)
Statement by India
Mr. President,
India welcomes the convening of this panel discussion.
2. Violence against women is one of the most pervasive and prevalent forms of abuse of human rights. It cuts across boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture and geography. Any form of such violence is a manifestation of unequal power relations between women and men. Therefore, ensuring gender equality, promoting women's empowerment and combating discrimination and violence against women should be an integral part for development.
3. In India there is an established institutional, parliamentary, judicial and executive framework in place to address the issues relating to human rights of women. On the domestic front, we have adopted both enabling legislative and policy framework for advancement of women by formulating National Policy for the Empowerment of Women in 2001. National Policy for Women is also being updated to capture the emerging challenges to position women as equal partners for sustainable development.
4. The amendments to the Indian criminal law in 2013 significantly broadened the definition of sexual assault and harassment, increased penalties for offenders and aimed for greater accountability of public officials in providing relief to woman affected by violence. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place Act 2013 aims to provide an enabling environment for women to work. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 comprehensively addresses the issue of violence against women in the domestic sphere.
Mr. President,
5. To provide an institutional mechanism for women affected by violence to access help, One Stop Centres are being set-up in various parts of the Country with services including medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psycho-social counselling, and temporary support services under one roof. Every effort is being made by the Government to close the gaps in our gender equality commitments, and substantial investment is being made so as to ensure adequate financing for gender equality.
6. In conclusion, Mr. President, the panellists may like to explain what type of action plans and initiatives are imperative to engage men and boys to address the root causes of violence against women and girls.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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