NHRC Issues Advisory on Human Rights Protection of Female Prisoners and Their Children
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New Delhi , October 29 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has issued an advisory on the protection of human rights of female inmates and their children, calling for a sensitive and gender-responsive approach to prison administration.
The advisory has been issued to nine Union Ministries, Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and Union Territories (UTs), and Directors General of Police across the country.
The NHRC highlighted that female prisoners and their children constitute a particularly vulnerable group and require focused attention to safeguard their rights and address their specific needs. It emphasised that protecting their human rights must go beyond basic custodial safeguards and include humane living conditions, adequate healthcare and access to justice.
The commission also stressed the need to provide appropriate maternal and child healthcare, mental health services, and measures to preserve family ties. It called for protecting the best interests of children living with their mothers in prisons, while ensuring rehabilitation and social reintegration opportunities for women after their release.
The NHRC advisory identifies ten broad areas requiring action by the concerned authorities.
The advisory also addresses the living conditions, hygiene, welfare and sensitisation of women inmates. It highlights the need to protect children living with their mothers in prisons, as well as those separated from their incarcerated parents.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has issued an Advisory on the ‘Protection of Human Rights of Female Inmates and their Children’ to nine Union Ministries, Chief Secretaries/Administrators, Director Generals of Police of all States and Union Territories (UTs).…
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) October 29, 2026
Communication facilities, meetings with family members and the preservation of family contact form another key area. The commission has also emphasised effective prison administration, legal aid and access to justice for female prisoners.
Through the advisory, the NHRC has underlined the importance of ensuring that women in custody and their children are treated with dignity and sensitivity. The measures seek to address their specific vulnerabilities while improving access to essential services and legal support.
The emphasis on rehabilitation and social reintegration also highlights the need to support women after their release and help them return to society with dignity.