Secretary-General, Expressing ‘Deep Sorrow’ over Death of Delhi Student,

 

Urges Government to Strengthen Critical Services for Rape Victims

The following statement was issued on 29 December by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General expresses deep sorrow at the death of the 23-year-old Delhi student who was gang-raped by six men in a moving bus in New Delhi on 16 December.  He offers his sincerest condolences to her parents, family and friends, and utterly condemns this brutal crime.  Violence against women must never be accepted, never excused, never tolerated.  Every girl and woman has the right to be respected, valued and protected.

The Secretary-General welcomes the efforts of the Government of India to take urgent action and calls for further steps and reforms to deter such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.  He also encourages the Government of India to strengthen critical services for rape victims.  UN-Women and other parts of the United Nations stand ready to support such reform efforts with technical expertise and other support as required.

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For information media • not an official record