New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released an advisory on the Protection of Human Rights of Female Inmates and their Children, stressing that the rights and needs of prisoners—particularly women and their children—demand focused attention and a sensitive, gender-responsive approach. The advisory underscores the importance of humane prison conditions, adequate healthcare for mothers and children, access to justice, preservation of family relationships, protection of children’s best interests, and meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration. It has been issued to nine Union Ministries, along with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all States and Union Territories.
The advisory identifies ten broad areas for action, including admission records, child database and documentation, medical care and mental health services, living conditions and hygiene for women inmates, and legal aid and access to justice. The NHRC has urged all concerned authorities to implement the recommendations and submit an Action Taken Report within two months.
