US, UK Issues Travel Advisory Against India Over Sexual Crimes Against Women

by Vidisha Khaitan
US, UK Issues Travel Advisory Against India Over Sexual Crimes Against Women

India is the center of attention on global news today. This is no good news. Women’s safety concerns might not have reached the three bodies of the Indian government, but it has reached governments overseas. USA and UK issued travel advisories against India because of the risk of sexual assault and rape.

What is it

A travel advisory is a warning or alert. It is every government’s duty to safeguard the wellbeing of its population. Government agencies provide information about the relative safety of travelling to particular destinations in the world. In the past, advisories have been issued against war torn areas like Palestine. In August, the UK and Germany issued a travel advisory against Kashmir. The USA and the UK released a warning against travelling to the entire country of India on November 19 because of the dangerous levels of crime against women, and its growing rate.

Image Credit: Third Eye Traveller

Why

This is not a consequence of the Hyderabad gang rape and murder case. It’s about facts. The actual number of crimes committed is much higher than crime reported. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), one woman is raped every 15 minutes in India. In 2018, in a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters Foundation, India was ranked as world’s worst country for women, worse than Syria and Afghanistan — second and third — which have been at war.

Image Credit: US WSJ

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What now

British and American nationals have been advised to travel with caution in India. Women who can roam freely in their home countries have been asked not to travel alone in public transport or venture into isolated areas, including beaches. They have also been warned against scams when purchasing jewellery or getting into vehicles of unidentified drivers. The advisory also recounted reports of travellers being drugged during train journeys. Trekking alone is not advisable. Travellers have also been notified about terrorist activities in the state of Manipur.

travellers
Image Credit: Intrepid Travel

In the unfortunate event of surviving a sexual crime, travellers have been directed to “insist” or force the police to register a FIR. It was reported that experts believe India is the worst country for women in the world because the government has done little to improve ground level realities.

The Advisory

The advisory listed several cases of sexual assault against travellers in India in major tourist destinations like Goa, Delhi and Rajasthan. It also warned its country people against verbal and physical harassment. Thiruvallam assault and murder case of 2018 and Goa rape case of 2018 were listed to help travellers understand the state of affairs. They laid out certain guidelines for safety, specially for female travellers, even if they’re in a group. Following local dress codes and customs was encouraged. While isolated areas must be avoided at any time of day, public transport should also be opted with caution.

travellers
Image Credit: NY Times

It further went on to explain what to do in the unfortunate event of sexual assault or rape. One must “insist” the police lodge a FIR. While the police are not bound to provide English translation, one can demand the statement be read and explained in English before signing. An extra set of clothing should be carried because any clothes worn during the crime can be held as evidence. The forensic report shall be performed in the presence of a female police officer or a representative of a local NGO. These guidelines are meant to help survivors tackle the procedural maze in the aftermath of experiencing trauma and ease their load.

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India’s rape crisis has plagued our nation in many forms. It’s obvious to gauge the unrest in travellers by simply typing “foreigner travelling in India.” Lists and lists of results pop up describing ways to travel India safely or questioning one’s safety in the country. It’s true, travellers must take caution when navigating through the diverse paths in our lanes. We hope legislature, execution and sex education are further improved for India to be able to welcome tourists with open arms.