The Cabinet has reportedly granted approval to strengthen legal provisions against sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual sexual bribery, and to include severe punishment for those found guilty of such acts.
The Cabinet approval was granted to a proposal presented by the Justice Minister.
Accordingly, the proposal suggests that the legal draftsman be instructed to prepare a bill to include articles in the Penal Code criminalising sexual assault and all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is recognised as a violation of fundamental human rights, which is categorically stated in Section 345 of the Penal Code.
The proposed bill also calls for introducing a new section to serve severe punishment for those committing sexual offences and also make sexual bribery an offence.
The move comes in following many reports of sexual violence and harassment in the country despite such legal provisions being already enacted.
MIAP
