The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As per the records kept by the Office of Attorney General (OAG), 43 cases of child rape were prosecuted in the courts in 2021. There were 42 rape cases taken to court in 2020 and 37 cases in 2019. The figure from last five years is more or less constant. However, there is a concern over the offences related to crime.
During the 45th Meet-the-Press, Foreign Minister Dr. Tandi Dorji, who also the Chairman of the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), said more cases of sexual offences being reported is concerning for the society, but on the other hand, it shows awareness among the people to report such crimes so that the law can deal with it.
Lyonpo Tandi Dorji also pointed out people need to be sensitized on the matter through awareness programs. Only the stringent laws in place are not enough of a deterrent.
Lyonpo further added, “Lots of programs were initiated to address the crime by various agencies. Moreover, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen has also given her support through the Pema Center where the survivor of sexual offences are also included in the package of mental health.”
This way, they are hoping that they would get support from agencies and public to curb down such crimes in the country.
Meanwhile, Lyonpo also said that the number of child molestation cases in the country remain more or less the same in the past few years. As per the record from the OAG, in 2021 OAG prosecuted 7 statutory rape and 15 cases of child molestation cases. They have also prosecuted 1 case of prostitution, 15 cases of domestic violence and 6 cases of rape of a married person in the same year.
In 2020, OAG have prosecuted 42 child rape cases, 3 trafficking of person cases, 11 statutory rape cases, 14 child molestation cases, 3 cases of computer pornography and 3 cases of gang rape of married women.
“NCWC will provide all the help and they encourage people to come forward and report sexual related offences. Men should change their mind set,” Lyonpo said.
