Let’s raise our voices to speak for those who can’t, and ensure that the India of tomorrow is built by children who’ve spent their days getting educated, not exploited in dangerous work conditions. Send a message right now directly to the government before the consultation closes tomorrow and then share it with others:
India is home to the largest child labour force in the world with nearly 12.6 million kids engaged in different industries. Tragically, nearly 44,000 children are taken every year and forced into mines, quarries, factories, brothels, restaurants, embroidery units and even domestic service. The newly proposed law would impose tough restrictions and penalties on other practices that contribute to the problem.
Critics say the real problem isn’t the law, it’s bad enforcement. And while it’s true that in the last three years in India less than 10% of the 450,000 reports of child labour were prosecuted,a strong new law can pack some serious punch if it includes key areas like child trafficking and rehabilitation for rescued kids.
Each day that goes past, more and more kids are trapped in jobs with dangerous conditions and missing out on their opportunity to get educated and break the cycle of poverty. Let’s ensure that Parliament sees we are deadly serious about rescuing India’s lost generation of kids with a tough new law — send your message now and share widely:
Thousands of Avaaz members sent in their recommendations to the government committee set up after the Delhi gang rape and in a few months the government was forced to start addressing the rape epidemic. Let’s come together again — this time for India’s kids — so that they can enjoy their rights and freedoms.
With hope and determination,
Meredith, Emma, Ricken, Alaphia, Patricia, Wen-Hua, Mais and the rest of the Avaaz team
