The world's second most populous country notoriously combines democratic governance with poor service provision and crippling inequality. While economic growth and government initiatives have lifted many out of poverty, corruption, social disparities and environmental degradation persist.
There is anger at the extent of violence against women and children, despite moves to strengthen the criminal justice system and the announcement of a "zero tolerance" policy. Sexual minorities continue to face discrimination. Recent efforts to broaden sexual and gender-related rights have encountered resistance.
After the brutal rape of a young woman in New Delhi in 2012, the issue of violence against women in India was thrust into the spotlight. The intensity of the national outcry in the aftermath led to the establishment of the Verna Committee, a governmental branch dedicated to addressing the issue of violence against women.
18 December, BANGKOK – Across Asia, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people continue to face rights violations because of their sexual orientation and gender identity and weak knowledge of local legal systems impact on their ability to file formal complaints, or seek justice or legal redress.
