Nepal: Marking International Women's Day, UNODC brings together public prosecutors to address legal challenges pertaining to rape cases

Dhulikhel, Nepal/08-09 March 2023: Gender-based violence remains an issue of concern in Nepal, with many women and girls facing various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.

The role of lawyers and public prosecutors in addressing gender-based violence is significant.  Public prosecutors play a critical role in prosecuting cases of gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. Lawyers, on the other hand, provide legal support and representation to victims of gender-based violence, helping them navigate the legal system and seek redress.

In Nepal, UNODC’s efforts aim at strengthening the capacity of lawyers and public prosecutors to effectively address gender-based violence. In this context, UNODC, in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, convened 30 public prosecutors to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2023, with a focused dialogue on trends and challenges in the prosecution of rape cases.

In the dialogue, public prosecutors discussed the challenges they face in prosecuting rape cases, including the lack of evidence, witness intimidation, and inadequate resources. Recommendations to comprehensively address the issue was also sought from the participants, which will aid in the implementation of Attorney General’s 5-year Strategic Plan. Prosecutors also discussed the need for improved coordination between different agencies involved in the prosecution of rape cases, including the police, forensic labs, and victim support services.

Following the dialogue, UNODC organized a community outreach program to raise awareness about laws, policies, and procedures in combating gender-based violence. The program included a series of workshops and awareness-raising events targeted at different groups, including women's groups, youth groups, and community leaders. Officials from Nepal Police and public prosecutors also explained the legal provisions available to victims of gender-based violence.

The outreach program provided a platform for the community to learn about the mechanisms for reporting gender-based violence and the available legal provisions. The community members had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts. The program emphasized the importance of timely reporting of gender-based violence to ensure timely intervention and justice for the victims.

Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in many societies, and it is important to raise awareness about the issue and promote the reporting of cases. Many victims of gender-based violence do not report the crimes they have experienced due to fear of retribution, lack of trust in the justice system, or stigma associated with being a victim of violence.

This activity contributed to SDG 5 and SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/