Human Rights

Law Commission's Stand on Age of Consent The 22nd Law Commission, under the leadership of Justice (retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, has recently initiated discussions on the age of consent. The Commission's stand has ignited significant questions about the conflict between the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the role of consent in adolescent relationships. In a meeting with officials from the Women and Child Development Ministry, the Law Commission sought details on this matter, highlighting the need for further examination. The Importance of Age of Consent in Adolescent Relationships Acknowledging the evolving dynamics of relationships among adolescents, the Law Commission aims to provide comprehensive insights into the age of consent. The age of consent holds significant importance as it safeguards minors from sexual exploitation. The Commission's stand throws light on the need to str...

  Understanding the Struggles of Transgender Minors The rights and welfare of transgender minors have become a growing concern in the healthcare sector, particularly their ability to access necessary medical services for transition. As advocates report, minors seeking transition-related health care find it increasingly difficult to access these services, even in regions where it is legally available. This struggle is further complicated by the political and social climate surrounding transgender rights, as well as the lack of understanding and misinformation about what gender-affirming care truly entails. The State of Gender Affirming Care As of April 2022, two states have passed bills banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and 20 states are considering similar laws. If these proposed laws are passed, more than a third of transgender teens aged 13 to 17 would live in a state that prohibits them fr...