KANGPOKPI, January 19: Sensing the alarming rate of crime and violence against women and children in the state, Miss Kut 2013 Lhingjanei Kipgen today voiced the urgent need on the matter.
Speaking at her residence at Hengbung village Lhingjanei Kipgen asserted that crime and violence against women and children is one of the most widespread and pervasive violations of human rights in the world, one of the least prosecuted crimes and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development.
“Now the time has come to address this urgent matter and it is time on the part of the general public to join hands for human rights, democracy and the common values of humanity”, noted the reigning Miss Kut while adding that it is the time to initiate stronger and better action from the part of the government.
She said that crime against women and children has tremendously affected the public well-being, health and safety, productivity and law enforcement of communities, nations and societies.
These human rights violations pose serious consequences for the present generation and future generation, she added.
Lhingjanei, whom her parents fondly know as Neinu assumed that the rights of women and children to live freely from crimes and violence depends on the protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice before adding that ending impunity means law must be enforced.
Countries or states that enact and enforce laws on violence against women and children have less crime against them asserted Neinu while adding that response to violence must be immediate, coordinated and effective so that crimes are punished and justice is secure.
Neinu further voiced that court and justice system must be accessible and responsive to criminal and civil matters relating to crime against women and children and they must be informed of their legal rights and supported to navigate the legal system as well.
Economic empowerment is the most important and the best prevention strategy asserted Neinu before adding that it is also vital to promote a culture of equality between men and women through institutional and legal reforms, education, awareness-raising with full engagement of men.
Crime against women and children can be also be prevented by working systematically and consistently with male leaders and by further strengthening women`s economic and political participation suggested Neinu.
The Miss Kut 2013 beauty pageant title holder while sensitively talking on women empowerment asserted that around the world, healthy, educated, employed and empowered women break poverty cycles-not only for themselves, but for their families, communities and the countries too.