WEBSTER
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL wants the Jamaican government to fast-track plans to fight discrimination and sexual violence against women and young girls.
The watchdog organisation has also appealed to the Portia Simpson Miller-led administration to move speedily to reform various pieces of legislation. They include the Offences Against the Person Act, the Sexual Harassment Bill and the Incest (Punishment) Act. Amnesty also wants to see improvement in investigation techniques and gender-based training for officials dealing with cases of sexual violence against women.
DECISIVE ACTION NEEDED
At the same time, in a new report published yesterday, the human rights group urged the Jamaican authorities to prioritise the implementation of a 15-point Action Plan developed by women's organisations across the country.
The action plan includes recommendations such as the development of a public education programme aimed at preventing rape and sexual crimes, the introduction of a national campaign against discrimination and sexual violence, and the establishment of a series of shelters to provide support and refuge for victims of sexual violence.
"Only decisive action will put an end to discrimination and sexual violence against women in Jamaica. Most of the recommendations of the action plan do not require extensive investment, only determination and political will," said Kerrie Howard, deputy director of Amnesty International's Americas Programme.
According to Amnesty's findings, widespread discrimination against women in Jamaica makes them targets of sexual violence and exposes them to serious health risks, including sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
The international watchdog organisation also found that girls are particular targets of sexual violence and that the Jamaican Government has consistently failed to deal with the issue effectively.
Goverment is making headway.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, Faith Webster, said the Government has made major strides to address discrimination against women, as well as clamp down on criminal acts, such as rape.
"I don't agree with what they are saying, we are taking steps to amend laws to deal with this issue," she said. "I just don't know where Amnesty gets their information from."
Mrs. Webster said the Jamaican Government has initiated public awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, to make persons more wary of attacks against women.
According to Amnesty, a survey carried out in 2005 revealed that 66 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women agreed that, "women and girls sometimes bring rape upon themselves."
"Jamaican women frequently do not feel safe. They know that whether at home, on the street or even at school they risk being beaten, raped or even killed," said Kerrie Howard, deputy director of Amnesty International's Americas Programme.
