The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued an advisory on the Protection of Human Rights of Female Inmates and their Children. The advisory emphasises that the rights and needs of prisoners, including female prisoners and their children, require focused attention and a sensitive, gender-responsive approach. The NHRC emphasizes the need to ensure humane prison conditions, adequate healthcare for mothers and children, access to justice, the preservation of family relationships, the protection of children’s best interests, and meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration. The advisory has been issued to nine Union Ministries, Chief Secretaries, and Director Generals of Police of all States and Union Territories.

 

The Advisory focuses on ten broad areas for action. These include admission records, child database and documentation, Medical care and mental health services, women inmates’ living conditions, hygiene, Legal Aid and Access to Justice. The NHRC has urged all authorities concerned to implement the recommendations in the Advisory and furnish an Action Taken Report within two months.