India: Dozens protest child rape outside school in New Delhi August 10

Event

Dozens of parents protested outside of a school in New Delhi on Friday, August 10, over the alleged rape of a child on school property. The incident notably comes after recent reports of sexual abuse at two state-run childcare centers in Muzaffarpur (Bihar state) and Deoria (Uttar Pradesh state) incited popular anger.

Additional related protests are possible in New Delhi and elsewhere in India in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near demonstration sites.

Context

According to data from the Indian National Crime Records Bureau, incidents of child rape in India increased by over 82 percent from 2015 to 2016, with over 19,000 sexual attacks on children recorded in 2016. The true number of incidents of sexual abuse and violence targeting children is likely higher than reported.

Under a new law enacted in 2013, prison terms for rapists were doubled to 20 years; voyeurism, stalking, and sex trafficking were criminalized as well.

Advice

Individuals in India, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.