A “zero tolerance approach to violence and abuse in relationships” was approved in Westminster, but ministers were absent and have scuppered action.

Legislators in India should substantially amend or replace the new criminal law on violence against women, say leading global human rights groups.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a “dehumanising practice”, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, says.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting individuals and church congregations to join “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence”.