Daily Current Affairs : 28-November-2023

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive global issue, as underscored by a recent study conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women. The study sheds light on the alarming rise in gender-related killings of women and girls in 2022, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive action.

Understanding Femicide/Feminicide: A Disturbing Reality

Femicide or feminicide refers to the deliberate killing of women or girls based solely on their gender, perpetuated by societal attitudes and discrimination. The study’s key findings highlight the magnitude and nuances of this grim phenomenon.

Global Trends: Unprecedented Numbers and Persistent Challenges
  • In 2022, there were nearly 89,000 intentional killings of women and girls, reaching the highest annual figure in the past two decades.
  • Despite an overall decline in global homicides, female homicides are alarmingly on the rise.
Victim Profile: Unveiling Disturbing Disparities
  • Women are disproportionately victims of intimate partner or family-related homicides compared to men.
  • While men constitute 80% of global homicides, women represent 53% of killings in the home and 66% of intimate partner killings.
Regional Disparities: Varied Challenges Across Continents
  • Africa reported the highest number of intimate partner/family-related homicides in 2022, surpassing Asia for the first time in 13 years.
  • The Americas, with fewer cases, exhibited higher rates of femicides per 100,000 female population.
Africa’s Standing: Emerging as a Femicide Epicenter
  • With around 20,000 victims in 2022, Africa surpassed Asia as the region with the highest absolute number of victims.
  • Africa also recorded the highest number of victims relative to its female population (2.8 per 100,000 women).
Europe’s Trends: Progress Amidst Challenges
  • Europe witnessed an average reduction in female intimate partner/family-related homicides by 21% between 2010 and 2022, albeit with variations across sub-regions.
India’s Situation: A Nation in Transition
  • India experienced a slight decline in gender-based killings over the past decade.
  • Dowry-related deaths remained significant, with honor killings and witchcraft-related murders forming a smaller percentage.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): Addressing Global Challenges

The UNODC, established in 1997, plays a crucial role in addressing global issues related to drugs, crime, and terrorism. Its multifaceted functions contribute to creating a safer and more just world.

Key Functions of UNODC:
  1. Drug Control: Combatting the production, trafficking, and abuse of illicit drugs globally.
  2. Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: Focusing on preventing and combating transnational crime, including human trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and cybercrime.
  3. Terrorism Prevention: Playing a vital role in preventing and countering terrorism by providing assistance to member states.
  4. Corruption Prevention: Working to prevent and combat corruption through anti-corruption measures and support for the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
  5. Research and Data Analysis: Conducting research and analysis to provide accurate information on trends related to drugs, crime, and terrorism.
  6. Technical Assistance: Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to member states in developing effective policies and institutions.
  7. International Cooperation: Facilitating international cooperation and coordination to address cross-border challenges related to drugs, crime, and terrorism.
Important Points:
  • Global Trends in Femicide/Feminicide (Gender-Related Killings):
    • In 2022, witnessed nearly 89,000 intentional killings of women and girls, marking a two-decade high.
    • Despite an overall decline in global homicides, female homicides are on the rise.
  • Victim Profile and Disparities:
    • Women are disproportionately victims of intimate partner or family-related homicides compared to men.
    • Women represent 53% of killings in the home and 66% of intimate partner killings.
  • Regional Disparities:
    • Africa reported the highest number of intimate partner/family-related homicides in 2022, surpassing Asia for the first time in 13 years.
    • The Americas exhibited higher rates of femicides per 100,000 female population despite having fewer cases.
  • Africa’s Standing in Femicide:
    • Africa had around 20,000 victims in 2022, surpassing Asia as the region with the highest absolute number of victims.
    • Recorded the highest number of victims relative to its female population (2.8 per 100,000 women).
  • Europe’s Progress Amidst Challenges:
    • Europe saw an average reduction in female intimate partner/family-related homicides by 21% between 2010 and 2022, with variations across sub-regions.
  • India’s Gender-Based Killing Situation:
    • India experienced a slight decline in gender-based killings over the past decade.
    • Dowry-related deaths remained significant, with honor killings and witchcraft-related murders forming a smaller percentage.
  • UNODC’s Key Functions:
    • Drug Control: Combatting the production, trafficking, and abuse of illicit drugs globally.
    • Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: Focusing on preventing and combating transnational crime, including human trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and cybercrime.
    • Terrorism Prevention: Playing a vital role in preventing and countering terrorism by providing assistance to member states.
    • Corruption Prevention: Working to prevent and combat corruption through anti-corruption measures and support for the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
    • Research and Data Analysis: Providing accurate information on trends related to drugs, crime, and terrorism.
    • Technical Assistance: Supporting member states in developing effective policies and institutions.
    • International Cooperation: Facilitating international cooperation and coordination to address cross-border challenges related to drugs, crime, and terrorism.
Why In News

Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women released a study titled ‘Gender-related killings of women and girls (femicide/feminicide),’ revealing an alarming increase in gender-related killings of women and girls in 2022. The report underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address and prevent these heinous crimes and promote gender equality.

MCQs about Femicide on the Rise: UNODC’s Urgent Call for Global Action

  1. What is femicide or feminicide, as discussed in the essay?
    A. A decline in overall global homicides
    B. Deliberate killing of women or girls based solely on their gender
    C. Homicides related to drug abuse
    D. Organized crime against women
    Correct Answer: B. Deliberate killing of women or girls based solely on their gender.
    Explanation: Femicide/feminicide as the intentional killing of women or girls rooted in societal attitudes and discrimination.
  2. Which region reported the highest number of intimate partner/family-related homicides in 2022?
    A. Asia
    B. Europe
    C. Africa
    D. The Americas
    Correct Answer: C. Africa.
    Explanation: The Africa reported the highest number of intimate partner/family-related homicides in 2022, surpassing Asia for the first time in 13 years.
  3. What role does the UNODC play in combating global issues?
    A. Environmental conservation
    B. Drug control, crime prevention, and terrorism prevention
    C. Space exploration
    D. Humanitarian aid
    Correct Answer: B. Drug control, crime prevention, and terrorism prevention.
    Explanation: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) addresses global issues related to drugs, crime, and terrorism through various key functions.

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