Diana WallisOn Friday Diana visited the HQ of Karma Nirvana, a registered charity which operates nationally, supporting victims and survivors of forced marriages and honour based violence. The visit coincides with the launch of the public consultation on whether forced marriages should be considered a specific criminal offence.
Welcoming Home Secretary Theresa May's announcement Jasvinder Sanghera, CEO of Karma Nirvana, said 'Karma Nirvana welcomes the consultation to criminalise forced marriages and encourage all to partake in this consultation which has the ability to make a real change for those that require it most. As a member of the Network for a New European generation, we have been working with colleagues on similar issues in Sweden, France, Italy and Spain. We hope that the UK will continue to champion these issues.'
Echoing Sanghera's comments, Diana said:
"I applaud the Home Secretary's announcement this week. Forced marriages should be made a criminal offence. It is unconscionable that at the end of 2011 thousands and thousands of Europe's citizens are not permitted to choose their partners. I hope that the UK will show leadership in Europe by criminalising forced marriages.
"In Europe I have already begun the debate within the European Parliament and I am working to advance this process to include the other EU institutions on the need for EU legislation. Together with Jasvinder and the other members of the Network for a New European Generation in Sweden, Germany, Italy and France who face the same issues on forced marriages, I intend to put this issue high up on the EU agenda."
The consultation on Forced Marriage runs until 30th March 2012 More details can be found here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/forced-marriage/
(Photo shows Diana with Jasvinder Sanghera, CEO of Karma Nirvana, and 'Naz' a survivor of a forced marriage along with posters promoting the Honour Network hotline
Diana with Jasvinder Sanghera, CEO of Karma Nirvana, and 'Naz' a survivor of a forced marriage along with posters promoting the Honour Network hotline
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