Recently one perpetrator was sentenced to ten years jail term for throwing acid on two teenagers last year. Till this year there was no proper law against acid attackers and finally the parliament passed a new law that criminalizes against acid attack on women.
The law not only allows police force to catch the culprit but there’s provision for punishment too. If there’s any harm or disfigure of the victim then the perpetrator/s will be sentenced to a five to eight years jail term after assessing the offense with fine ranging between Rs 100,000 to 300,000. The fine paid by the perpetrator is automatically transferred to the victim. Also, if the victim dies after the attack then the perpetrator will be handed murder charge.
The newly passed provisions in the bill, however, are not clear and strong enough to stop and discourage acid attacks. Unless people don’t have easy access to harmful acids these kind of attacks will likely happen again.
A Global Phenomenon
Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London, which works towards ending acid violence in the world, most particularly, in South Asia. The trust reports that acid violence is a global phenomenon and terms the act as a form of hidden violence against women and children. The reasons for the attacks vary in different parts of the world but the common known motives are as follows: marriage (love) rejection, dowry, land disputes, and revenge. These intentions are clearly visible in South Asia where getting hold of harmful acids is not only easy but the sale of acids goes unregulated by the concerned authorities. So what’s missing in the new law passed by the Nepal Parliament?
Criminalize acid buying
It is high time that the Government of Nepal give a serious thought about adding additional provisions in the newly passed law against acid attacks. Firstly, buying of harmful acids in small quantity for no genuine reason by common people should be criminalized. There should be a five year term jail if the person buys the harmful acid and ten year term jail for those who sell it. Secondly, all acid dealers, both buyers and sellers, should acquire proper license to buy/sell and declare for what reasons. They also should submit report about sales/usage of harmful acids to the concerned authorities. Thirdly, black-marketing of harmful acids should be monitored, curtail miscreants and seize acquired acid products. Fourthly, the Nepal government should make amendment in importing and distributing of harmful acids.
Rehabilitation of victims/perpetrators
The foremost priority should be given to victims by enrolling them in rehabilitation programs. ASTI has its branch in Nepal and works toward supporting acid victims. Also, Burns Violence Survivors (BVS-Nepal) work to rehabilitate victims mainly focusing on nutritional programs. It is commendable that both the organizations are working for the cause of victims; however, there are no provisions for the perpetrators to reform as they are simply sent to the jail. It would be good if there’s a correctional program for them and provide psychological counselling too. Perhaps the perpetrators will change too in the process of fulfilling their jail term or else the jail might harden them more. I strongly disagree with handing them death penalty. It is imperative to understand that in Nepal there are scores of people with psychological problems and we don’t have enough programs and facilities to deal with that issue. The Nepal government should invest in psychological counseling as a pre-emptive measure for such hideous attacks.
In conclusion, imparting education to children, irrespective of gender, and to all is extremely important to deal with this burning issue. Also, the government should implement programs to discourage this kind of culture by disseminating required programs to its citizens. I strongly believe acid attacks in Nepal are not a culture issue but more than a hatred and hidden violence against women and children. This psyche needs to be altered by all the involved stakeholders. As soon as people realize that harming women and children is not accepted legally and culturally, then the attacks are sure to dwindle. Lastly, all of us are responsible to report and discourage such attacks. After all we are psychologically strong and fragile too—prone to illogical acts. This too needs to be addressed.
Budhathoki is a graduate of International Relations
twitter: @arunbudhathoki
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http://thebruns.ca/author/abudathaki/
Recent books: Prisoner of an IPad: New Poems & Second in Love: Short
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