GAROWE (Halbeeg News) – Puntland state authorities on Tuesday have vowed that they will take action against individuals involving in rape cases.
The cabinet members of the state have approved an act calling for action to deal with rape cases.
The directive issued on Thursday condemned deteriorating cases which have been taking place in the state in recent months.
In a statement on Wednesday, Puntland state deputy Ahmed Elmi Osman ordered the law enforcement agencies to implement the act against rape.
“The police and agencies are asked to make this act to function, and deal with this rampant crime,” said the deputy leader in the statement.
According to the statement, Osman said the government is committed to doing enough to implement anti-rape and sexual harassment.
“The government is ready to work with the women organizations and human rights groups to eradicate this evil act that terrorized young girls,” he stated.
Since the beginning of this year, several rape cases had been reported in different parts of the state including Galkayo, Garowe, Badhan and remote areas.
Women groups criticize one of the biggest impediments to prosecuting perpetrators of rape and other sexual violence offences which is the informal, traditional ways to deal with rape cases.
Elders use the negotiation method in solving domestic issues including rape and other forms of sexual violence.
The groups claimed this age-old tradition of resolving serious crimes is tantamount to denying victims justice.
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