by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Following the recent gang rape of a woman in India, a UNICEF key advisor has publicly criticized the impunity surrounding sexual violence against women and girls, globally.
Anju Malhotra, UNICEF Principal Gender Advisor, said “We need action now to end this brutality that has become routine and to give the victims of violence the justice and protection they deserve.”
He says the incident that was reported of an Indian woman allegedly raped by the same group of men who had raped her three years before, underlines the heinous culture of impunity surrounding the global problem.
“Approximately 120 million girls worldwide – 1 in every 10 – will experience sexual violence. The majority of these girls are violated for the first time between the ages of 15 and 19,” Malhotra announced.
Although the UN General Assembly declared the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1993, providing structure for action and implementations, more needs to be done.
In Papua New Guinea, according to the World Report 2015, an estimated 70 per cent of women experience rape or assault in their lifetime.
“[…] Outrage is not enough,” says Malhotra.
