Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other organisations)
 Printable version
|
Unicef Condemns the Brutal Gang Rapes of Girls in Delhi
Unicef is deeply saddened by the gruesome cases of violence against girls in India that have shaken the country over the last few days and calls for urgent and concerted actions to address violence against women and girls.
Only a week after the horrific rape and torture of a four year old girl in Delhi, two other cases of a toddler and a five year old girl being raped in two separate incidents have been reported in the span of 24 hours.
This callous disregard of young children’s lives comes just a few days after the International Day of the Girl Child. Unicef is extremely concerned about the number of rape cases against girls and women and the brutality of the actions perpetrated.
The Government of India has taken important steps towards strengthening safety measures for women and girls, but more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of violence.
“Changing mindsets and behaviours towards girls and women has to be the priority for preventing violence. Girls and women have to be valued and respected in their houses and also in public spaces,” says Louis-Georges Arsenault,Unicef Representative in India.
Unicef is fully committed to provide support to the Government and civil society to address violence against women and girls. If left unaddressed, these human rights violations will pass from one generation to another. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to immediately take action.
Notes for editors:
For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk
