In the wake of ongoing rape cases, the UN has expressed serious concerns over the growing violence against women in Bangladesh and called for justice.
The UN has strongly recommended an urgent reform to the criminal justice system to support and protect victims and witnesses and to accelerate the slow trial process.
“These are heinous crimes and grave violations of human rights. One rape is one too many,” said the UN in a statement on Wednesday amid the rising number of rapes that triggered nationwide protest from all sections of people.
UN Resident Coordinator tweeted the statement both in Bangla and English.
The recent case of the woman from Noakhali that was circulated through social media has yet again underlined the state of social, behavioural and structural misogyny that exists, the statement added.
“While the UN stands with the public and civil society groups in calling for justice, we recognize that these are not isolated incidents. We promote a systematic approach to strengthen the protection of women’s rights,” the statement reads.
The UN said they stand ready to support the government to undertake a comprehensive review in the handling of rape cases and violence against women and children, to improve and create a gender-responsive justice system.
There must be transparency and accountability in reporting how the laws to protect women and girls are being implemented.
“Global statistics are alarming. They affirm that violence against women is the most pervasive, yet least punished, of all crimes. This must stop,” said the UN.
Photo credit: Collected
