New Delhi: Returning from United Nations after addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi on Wednesday demanded a strong law against child labour in the country. He announced a plan to launch a world-wide programme to eliminate violence against children.
Speaking at the Constitution Club of India in the capital, he said that he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the same. "The government broadly agrees with our demands," he added.
Satyarthi also spoke about the setting up of a policy research institute which will work in the field of child rights and ensure holistic development of child-friendly policies, practices and institutional framework. "We will also reach out to each state’s representative in India to implement child-friendly initiatives," Satyarthi said.
In order to create awareness about violence against children, Satyarthi announced his plans to create a children and youth engagement programme. "Under this programme we will mobilise children and youth worldwide for the elimination of violence against children.
Millions of youth will raise their voice for children who are being exploited. We will also educate youth about various forms of violence against children including abuse, lack of education and lack of health," he said.
Known for championing the cause of child rights, Satyarthi also emphasised the importance of integrating the government’s agenda of "sustainable and accelerated" economic growth with education and protection from violence for children.
Satyarthi expressed satisfaction over the fact that the SDGs set by the UN has included almost all clauses relevant to child rights aimed at ending slavery, trafficking, coerced labour and violence.
"It’s matter of great concern that around 100 million children across the world are victims of different forms of abuse.
Under this programme, millions of youth will raise their voice for children who are being exploited. We will also educate youth about various forms of violence including abuse, lack of education and lack of health," he said.
He also urged spiritual leaders to take up the issue of child rights and spread awareness across the nation and world alike about the same.
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