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
China's failure to reform 're-education' camps
27/10/2009 - CHINA

China's failure to reform 're-education' camps

In the early days of the People's Republic of China, labour re-education camps were set up to keep dissidents in check. Decades later, the camps are still open and have become a growing embarrassment for the government in Beijing.
Ben Ali makes it five in a row
26/10/2009 - TUNISIA

Ben Ali makes it five in a row

As Tunisia's Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali secured a fifth term in office, the only surprise was his failure to secure 90% of the vote. FRANCE 24's special correspondent in Tunis sent us this report on a landslide victory that had never been in doubt.
Karadzic genocide trial set to begin in The Hague
26/10/2009 - INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE

Karadzic genocide trial set to begin in The Hague

The trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was due to start in The Hague today in the absence of Karadzic himself, who faces charges of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the Bosnian War.
Far-right leader's prime-time appearance sparks furore
23/10/2009 - UNITED KINGDOM

Far-right leader's prime-time appearance sparks furore

The appearance of a far-right leader on a flagship BBC programme has sparked a heated debate in the United Kingdom, amid fears the televised appearance before 8 million viewers could boost the British National Party in forthcoming elections.
L'Aquila six months after the earthquake
23/10/2009 - ITALY

L'Aquila six months after the earthquake

Life is still being rebuilt in L'Aquila after the earthquake six months ago. Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi pledged to provide the homeless with a roof before the end of September but thousands are still living in tents.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(3) Reactions

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.

Read more
Close