Subject: Bride burning in Pakistan

Fresh reports have emerged about the continuation of the hideous practice of bride burning in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. This is a form of violence within the family in which women are burned by their own husbands or parents-in-law for reasons ranging from financial disagreements to the drunkenness of the husband. The perpetrators of this crime pour kerosene over the women and set them alight; alternatively, they simply throw acid at them. The official explanation is that the woman suffered an accident while cooking. In any case, the victim usually dies as a result, either directly or subsequently due to inadequate treatment. Because women are intimidated, charges are only brought rarely.

What action does the Commission intend to take to persuade the governments of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to overcome their indifference and lack of political will so that they combat misogyny and ensure that those guilty of bride burning are punished in an exemplary fashion?