NHRC issues notice to the Gujarat Government on branding of children with hot metals in Kutch and Rajkot Districts
New Delhi, December 22nd, 2011
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that children in Vagad region of Kutch District and some remote parts of Rajkot District in Gujarat are branded with iron rods, heated nails, wires and incense sticks in belief that this way they will be cured of their afflictions and diseases. Most of the victims of this practice are the children in the age group of 0-15 years.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if, true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of children. A notice has been issued to the Chief Secretary, the Government of Gujarat calling for a report. He has been asked to inform where such inhuman custom is prevalent in the state and what remedial steps have been taken by the administration to stop it.
According to the media report, this inhuman and cruel medieval custom of branding a child is prevalent in this region for ages. A child already suffering from ailments is subjected to branding more than once which only increases their pain. This practice leaves permanent physical and psychological scars on their young minds.
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The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that children in Vagad region of Kutch District and some remote parts of Rajkot District in Gujarat are branded with iron rods, heated nails, wires and incense sticks in belief that this way they will be cured of their afflictions and diseases. Most of the victims of this practice are the children in the age group of 0-15 years.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if, true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of children. A notice has been issued to the Chief Secretary, the Government of Gujarat calling for a report. He has been asked to inform where such inhuman custom is prevalent in the state and what remedial steps have been taken by the administration to stop it.
According to the media report, this inhuman and cruel medieval custom of branding a child is prevalent in this region for ages. A child already suffering from ailments is subjected to branding more than once which only increases their pain. This practice leaves permanent physical and psychological scars on their young minds.
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