NHRC directs gender-responsive care for female inmates and their children

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued an Advisory to government authorities regarding the protection of human rights of female inmates and their children, emphasizing the need for a gender-responsive approach to their care and rehabilitation.

Who it concerns: Nine Union Ministries, Chief Secretaries/Administrators of States and Union Territories, and Director Generals of Police of all States and Union Territories.

What the Commission said or ordered

• The Advisory directs authorities to adopt a sensitive, gender-responsive approach to the rights and needs of female prisoners and their children.
• It calls for humane prison conditions, adequate maternal and child healthcare, access to justice, preservation of family ties, and opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration.
• The Advisory outlines ten broad areas for action, including pre-admission procedures, health and medical care, living conditions, child documentation, legal aid, and post-release reintegration.
• Authorities are required to furnish an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the NHRC within two months detailing the progress of implementation.

Also in the document

• The NHRC identifies female prisoners and their children as a more vulnerable group requiring focused attention beyond standard custodial safeguards.
• The Advisory specifically includes provisions for Foreign National Inmates and gender-responsive facilities during court production.