Latest update: 18/05/2011 

- abortion - children - human trafficking - India


The unpreferred sex: why there aren't enough girls for Indian boys

India's recent preliminary census results had a shocking statistic: the ratio of girls to boys had fallen yet again. There are now only 914 girls for every 1,000 boys, while in some areas it's as low as 800. Easy access to ultrasound machines and illegal sex determination tests have led to a boom in the abortion of female fetuses, leading to widespread people trafficking and abuse of women.

By Constantin SIMON / Vikram Singh
Why are the French not voting?
19/03/2010 - FRANCE

Why are the French not voting?

The first round of France's regional elections was dominated not only by significant losses for President Sarkozy's ruling UMP Party but also by record low turnout. More than 53% of people abstained from voting, indicating not only dissatisfaction with the Sarkozy government, but also with politicians in general...
Germany's free car scheme
18/03/2010 - GERMANY

Germany's free car scheme

Congestion has become part and parcel of city life. But it costs billions of euros each year in lost time, and additional fuel costs - not to mention the environmental impact. Authorities in Paris say they're aiming to become the first major city in the world to offer a free car service either late this year or in 2011. They're probably watching a pilot scheme run by car maker Daimler in the German city of Ulm.
Too poor to be poorly: uninsured Americans hope healthcare bill will be passed
17/03/2010 - UNITED STATES

Too poor to be poorly: uninsured Americans hope healthcare bill will be passed

The final touches have been made to Barack Obama's flagship policy on healthcare reform and the bill is now ready to go before the House of Representatives. The proposals have received staunch opposition from Republicans, but if passed, the new law will extend insurance coverage to 30 million Americans - many of whom simply can't afford to be ill.
Streets of Bangkok run red
17/03/2010 - THAILAND

Streets of Bangkok run red

Pro-democracy protests continue in Bangkok by Thailand's 'Red Shirts' movement. They're calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and support the country's ousted former PM, Thaksin Shinawatra. They've even shed their blood for the cause, spilling it on the steps of the Prime Minister's residence and office. France 24's Cyril Payen was there.
Jerusalem Clashes
16/03/2010 - ISRAEL, WEST BANK, PALESTINAN AUTHORITY

Jerusalem Clashes

Scenes of violence that went on throughout the Tuesday in East Jerusalem. Their faces hidden by scarves, Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli Police. At least 3000 officers had been deployed to the area.

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If only Indians believed in

If only Indians believed in the intrinsic value of every human being from conception to death, there wouldn't be this problem. May seem idealistic, but if the rest of the world were also willing to help eliminate poverty in poor areas, it would go a long ways to eliminating people's belief that they need to kill their children. It's simple but true that devaluing females is like sawing off a branch you're standing on - if there weren't females to give birth, where would any of us be? (No, I'm not saying that's the only thing that gives females value)...God bless mothers, and may mothers recognize the value of their children, male or female...

The main issue leading to

The main issue leading to this problem is that they believe that the women are not capable of managing their forefather's inheritance.This leads to the issue of gender inequality.If women were not considered as weak and incapable of managing their inheritance , then this would contribute to a decease in the abortion rates.They would see women differently and that could persuade them to keep the baby.This is modern globalized world, Indians have to change their mindset.

The price for ultrasounds should also be increased.

It is a tradition in India that they get married to each other and not to foreign women or men .Their problem can also be diminish if the society is more liberalized i.e it is acceptable to marry not a native Indian

india shining

so this is the new global power? they kill their daughters and then do polyandry. I think first indians need to have modern mindset before aspiring to be in the league of developed nations.

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