New Delhi, October 12th, 2010

The National Human Rights Commission considers prenatal sex selection as a violation of women's human rights. Being deeply concerned about this practice, the National Human Rights Commission organized a one day conference on 'Prenatal Sex Selection in India: Issues, Concerns and Actions.'

In his Inaugural speech, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC stated that the practice of sex selection has serious consequences for girls and women in terms of physical and sexual violence, restriction on mobility and bride trafficking. He stressed that notwithstanding the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, NGOs and women organizations should make effort to create public awareness on this issue.

Dr. Girija Vyas, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, in her Opening remarks, said that the need of the hour is to bring about a change in the mindset of the people whereby both girls and boys are treated at par.

Mr. Sunil Krishna, Director General (Investigation) and Mr. J.P. Meena, Joint Secretary (P&A), NHRC, also addressed the Inaugural Session.

NHRC Members, Justice B.C. Patel and Mr. P.C. Sharma chaired thematic sessions of the conference as 'Panel Discussion on Prenatal Sex Selection--Action and Challenges' and 'Prenatal Sex Selection: Trends, Causes and Consequences' respectively.

All speakers stressed that along with changing the mindset of the people, it is also important to strengthen the implementation of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 and there is a need to involve other key stakeholders as well so that the practice of prenatal sex selection is eliminated.

The conference was attended by representatives from National Commissions, State Human Rights Commissions, Officers of Central and State Governments, delegates from NGOs, Universities, Colleges etc.


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