WUNRN
Vanuatu is an island
nation located in the South Pacific
Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is east of
northern Australia,
north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon
Islands.
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04 February 2009
By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania
PORT VILA, Vanuatu - The Vanuatu Women’s Centre has reported that sex crimes accounted for an astonishing 64 percent of last year’s 380 Supreme Court cases in Port Vila.
Ms. Merilyn Tahi, coordinator for the Women’s Centre, says these horrifying statistics should prompt the government to recognize the seriousness of the situation and take action to prevent crimes against women. In addition, Tahi argues that the statistics represent the unacceptable attitude toward women in Vanuatu.
“We say, the bottom line is that men have to take women as equal partners have more respect for women and recognise as both human beings. Otherwise our country will just see a more increase of violence and sexual violence on women,” Tahi said.
Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek says that the Port Vila figures are representative of the increase of sex crimes throughout the country. Drug crime accounted for 18 percent, but was a distant second to the number of sex crimes.
The Women’s Centre asserts that these startling figures support their stance that violence against women is on the rise, and that the government must recognize this distressing trend.
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