Public Tribunal on Population Policies

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

A new government is now in place and many feel that there are now many more

possibilities for the poor and marginalized people of India than were evident in

the earlier regime. The Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government is the

blueprint for this government to ensure " the daily well-being of the common

man " .

However the section of Women and Children includes a commitment which may not be

in the interests of women.

" The UPA government is committed to replicating all over the country the

success that some southern and other states have had in family planning. A

sharply targeted population control programme will be launched in the 150-odd

high-fertility districts. The UPA government recognizes that states

that achieve success in family planning cannot be penalized. "

A population control approach is against the interests of women. The National

Population Policy, 2000 (NPP 2000) proposes a plan of action which includes

voluntary and informed choice and consent, and continuation of the target free

approach in administering family planning services.

There is enough evidence that this voluntary approach, when combined with

quality services is perhaps the only way forward.

However many states in the country still have a population-control oriented

population policies and it is necessary that the ill-effects of this approach is

highlighted before the new government can enact a new law.

In order to highlight the negative impact of coercive population policies

and the implementation of a two child norm a Public Tribunal is being organized

in Delhi on the 14th and 15th of August. In this tribunal individual testimonies

will be presented from the different states.

In addition acknowledged experts will also present their understanding of how

a two child norm or coercion is counterproductive.

Knowing your interest in the issue we request your participation in this

process. You could be involved in

1. Identifying persons who have been adversely affected by a target driven,

coercive, population policy or by the two child norm. For example women who

have received very poor services, families of women who have lost their

lives, women with sterilization failures, women with sterilization complications

who have not been attended to. Women who have been disqualified from the

panchayat or who have been deserted by panchayat representative partners and so

on.

2. Presenting a short overview of the implementation a target driven, coercive

population policy or the two child norm in any state.

3. Presenting an expert account of the impact of target oriented population

polices and two child norm.

4. Identifying service providers who are willing to provide testimonies of

how these norms affect their work and quality of care.

5. Provide suggestion about films and other documentary evidence.

Any other suggestions are welcome. We look forward to your cooperation and

active participation. A quick response will help us in the planning process.

N.B. A detailed concept note is ready and will be sent on request since

attachements are not allowed on this list

In Solidarity

Abhijit, Das, & Colin Gonsalves

SAHAYOG

Human Rights Law Network

Healthwatch UP Bihar

E-mail: <abhijitdas@...>

Cross posted from mfriendcircle/