Death penalty not the answer: UN, Amnesty

As the country welcomed Delhi court’s judgement of awarding death penalty to the four convicted in the December 16 gang rape case, international organisations including the United Nations, Amnesty International and Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) condemned capital punishment.

The December attack was brought attention to violence against women not only in India but globally. The recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee report implement several progressive recommendations such as police training and reform, and changes in how sexual violence cases are registered and investigated.

The international bodies feel that the December 16 issue should be looked upon as an issue that requires legal reform “but also sustained commitment by the authorities to ensure that the justice system responds effectively at all levels to reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence,” said Tara Rao, director Amnesty International India.

Rao is of the view that sending the accused to the gallows will accomplish nothing but a short term revenge.  “There is no evidence that the death penalty is a particular deterrent to crime, and its use will not eradicate violence against women in India.” Rao added.

“Today’s court judgement reinforces that in order to address crimes against women the Indian government, among others, need to create special funds to support the victims and their family members to enable them to follow up cases to logical conclusion through sensitive, pro-active and competent police investigation; develop gender-sensitive, victim-centred procedural and evidentiary rules; file charge sheet within specific time-frame; appoint special public prosecutors; and fast track court trails,” said Suhas Chakma, director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.