Specialized Eye and General Health Camp Organized for Fishermen Community in Chennai

A Specialized Eye and General Medical Check-up Camp was successfully organized on 14th June 2025 at Mullikuppam Community Hall, Srinivasapuram, Pattinampakkam, Chennai – 28. The camp benefitted 112 residents from the local fishermen community, providing them with essential health consultations and screening services.

This community health initiative was a collaborative effort by ACS Medical College and Hospital, United Legal Rights Organisation – ASIA, BASE Trust, and the Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), aimed at extending healthcare access to marginalized fishing communities and nearby areas.

Mr.A.J.Hariharan, Secretary of ICWO, extended his sincere thanks to Mr.Ravi Ranganathan, Director – Programmes, CBM India Trust and Mr.Sathish Nagappan from CBM India Trust for their invaluable guidance and support in making the camp a success.The camp was inaugurated by Ms.K.Ushakumari, District Women's Team Secretary, Tirupattur. During the inaugural session, Mr. A.J. Hariharan emphasized the significance of bringing medical care to coastal communities that often lack regular access to quality healthcare services.

Community mobilization played a vital role in the camp's success and was made possible through the strong support of the Mullikuppam Srinivasapuram Fishermen Panchayat Sabha and the Fishermen Welfare Association.

While only consultations and basic medications were provided at the camp, patients requiring further care were referred to affiliated hospitals for follow-up treatment.

The organizers extend heartfelt appreciation to the medical professionals, volunteers, and local leaders whose dedicated efforts helped make this camp a meaningful stride toward inclusive and accessible community healthcare.

Chief Minister's Water body Conservator Award – 2025 won by Dr. P. Narayanan

On World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu, jointly organized the World Environment Day – 2025 celebration at Chennai Trade Centre. 

The grand event was held in the esteemed presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M. K. Stalin, and Additional Chief Secretary, Ms. Supriya Sahu, IAS. During the event, Dr. P. Narayanan, the Director, Gramiyam Trust, Karur District, Tamilnadu was conferred with the Best Chief Minister's waterbody conservatory Award in recognition of his outstanding efforts in water body conservation.Along with the award, he also received a reward of 1,00,000 as a token of appreciation. 

Bhuwan Ribhu is First Indian Lawyer to be honoured by World Jurist Association

Eminent child rights lawyer and Just Rights for Children Founder Bhuwan Ribhu has become the first Indian lawyer to be conferred with the ‘Medal of Honour’ by the World Jurist Association (WJA) at the World Law Congress in Dominican Republic. Bhuwan Ribhu has strong connections with Salem district in Tamilnadu as Indian Community Welfare Organisation – I.C.W.O.is a partner of the Just Rights for Children network in the district. Just Rights for Children is the world’s largest legal intervention network of NGOs for child protection—with partners spread across 416 districts of the country.

The World Jurist Association is the world’s oldest association of jurists and since its establishment in 1963, the World Jurist Association has honoured iconic figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, King Felipe VI of Spain, René Cassin, and Kerry Kennedy for their contributions to justice and the rule of law.

Elated with this momentous honour conferred to the founder of JRC, A.J.Hariharan of Indian Community Welfare Organisation – I.C.W.O.said, “This is not just an individual honour for Bhuwan Ribhu ji—it is a moment of immense pride for all of us working on the ground to protect every child. His recognition by the World Jurist Association inspires and energises us deeply. With the support of the state government and the district administration, we are committed to making Salem District child marriage free by 2030. We are also determined to ensure that not a single child from our district is trafficked for child labour. This global honour strengthens our resolve and gives us renewed enthusiasm to intensify our efforts for a safer, more just world for our children.”

The event held in Dominican Republic, the event brought together over 1500 legal luminaries and 300 speakers from more than 70 countries. The world’s oldest association of jurists honoured Bhuwan Ribhu for his pioneering work of over two decades, using legal interventions and grassroots mobilisation to advance child protection and child rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Kant, National Convenor of Just Rights for Children, said, “Our founder receiving the Medal of Honour is a landmark moment not just for our network, but for the entire child rights movement in India. It reaffirms that legal intervention is a powerful tool to protect our children and uphold their dignity. This recognition by the World Jurist Association puts the spotlight on the tireless work of thousands of grassroots defenders across India who are part of the Just Rights for Children network. We are proud, and more importantly, we are motivated to continue our mission to make every district safe and just for children.”

Lauding Bhuwan Ribhu’s work and achievements over the years, Javier Cremades, President of the WJA, stated, "Bhuwan firmly believes that justice is the strongest pillar of democracy and has dedicated his life to the service of justice for children and women who are victims of sexual crimes in his country and globally. His efforts have saved hundreds of thousands of children and women and set legal frameworks that will protect generations to come.  This award is a recognition of his tireless work building a safe, more just world for children through the power of the law.”

Bhuwan Ribhu received the ‘Medal of Honour’ by Eddy Olivares Ortega, Hon'ble Minister of Labor of Dominican Republic, and Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association. Also present on the occasion was Hon’ble Minister of Women of the Dominican Republic Mayra Jiménez. 

Bhuwan Ribhu has led over 60 PILs resulting in landmark rulings in the Supreme Court and various High Courts. His 2011 case led to the Supreme Court defining trafficking in line and his 2013 campaign on missing children triggered a historic judgment changing the way India’s legal system perceived missing children cases. He has driven key legal reforms against child sexual exploitation—both online and offline—and has been instrumental in strengthening laws against child rape and child marriage.

His PICKET strategy to end child marriage, outlined in When Children Have Children, was endorsed by the Supreme Court in its 2024 guidelines. The strategy is also followed by the Indian Community Welfare Organisation – I.C.W.O. which is determined and confident that the district would be free from child marriage by 2030.

 

 

Faith leaders in Salem, Tamilnadu unite with Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO to Combat Child Marriage on Akshaya Tritiya

Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO is a grassroots organization working on Child Marriage Free India (CMFI), a flagship campaign spearheaded by Just Rights for Children (JRC)—a network of over 250 NGOs working across 416 districts to safeguard child rights and end child marriage across India.

In a landmark initiative to prevent child marriages during the upcoming festival of Akshaya Tritiya and the ongoing wedding season, faith leaders from across different religions in Salem have joined the awareness campaign led by Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO, under the banner of Child Marriage Free India (CMFI). With faith leaders publicly pledging their support, Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO is confident that no child marriage will take place in any temple, mosque, church, gurdwara, or other religious establishment across the district.

As part of the campaign, posters and banners have been prominently displayed at places of worship, carrying clear messages that child marriage will not be permitted on their premises. CMFI, supported by Just Rights for Children (JRC), is a national movement committed to ending child marriage in India by 2030 through legal intervention, mass awareness at scale, and community mobilisation.

Just Rights for Children (JRC) is the world’s largest legal intervention network for child protection and the driving force behind CMFI. Over the past two years, through this campaign, over two lakh child marriages have been stopped and more than five crore people have pledged to stand against child marriage.

In Salem, Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO —a partner of CMFI and JRC—has worked closely with district authorities, faith leaders, and communities. Through timely legal interventions, family counselling, and widespread awareness programs, they have prevented/ stopped over 3 lakhs child marriages.

All partner NGOs are implementing the strategic framework outlined in JRC Founder Bhuwan Ribhu’s 2023 book, When Children Have Children: Tipping Point to End Child Marriage, which also aligns with the recent Supreme Court of India’s guidelines (2024) to eradicate child marriage nationwide.

Buoyed by the immense support from faith leaders, A.J.Hariharan, Director of Indian Community Welfare Organisation-ICWO, said, “This is a crucial step forward in our fight to end the heinous crime of child marriage. While the laws exist, what we often lack is widespread awareness. Many people are still unaware that child marriage is a criminal offense in our country. They do not realize that simply attending, performing, or providing any kind of service at a child marriage can lead to imprisonment. However, with the strong support of faith leaders — without whom no marriage can take place — we are confident that this Akshaya Tritiya will be truly auspicious, marked by the absence of any child marriage in the district.”

The director further said that the NGO has explained to the priests and faith leaders that child marriage is impeding rape and no faith can allow such a crime. Without their support, no community can perform a child marriage and so as the faith leaders extend their unwavering support, the NGO is confident that no child marriage will be performed on Akshaya Tritiya in the district this year.

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Order in Attempt to Rape Case; Just Rights for Children Alliance to Represent the Victim

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on Wednesday stayed the Allahabad High Court’s controversial judgment that grabbing the breasts of an 11-year-old child, breaking the string of her pyjama, and dragging her beneath a culvert did not amount to attempted rape.  Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO  has termed this decision as a significant step towards the protection of children's rights.

The apex court accepted a special leave petition filed by Just Rights for Children Alliance (JRC) against this verdict and granted permission to the JRCA to represent the victim. Just Rights for Children (JRC) – a network of over 250 NGOs working in 416 districts for child protection and child rights will lead this legal battle to ensure the dignity and rights of the victim are safeguarded and justice is served.

Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO, working for the protection of child rights in Salem & Chennai district, is a  partner of Just Rights for Children (JRC).

A.J.Hariharan, the director of Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO, stated, "If even a single child in the country is a victim of injustice, JRC stands with them. The judiciary is sensitive towards children's rights, as evident from the Supreme Court’s suo-motu intervention in this case. JRC will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to secure justice for this girl. JRC is fighting for a just world for children, and we are committed to eradicating crimes like child marriage, child sexual abuse, and child labor from the district.”

While putting a stay on the Allahabad High Court’s decision, the Supreme Court strongly remarked that the ruling was "shocking and insensitive.”

Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, Hon’ble Supreme Court’s bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih expressed strong disapproval of the insensitivity evident in the High Court’s order, calling the observations “shocking and devoid of any understanding of the law.”

"We are pained to state that some of the observations made in the impugned judgment, particularly paras 21, 24, and 26, depict a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the author of the judgment. This verdict, delivered after nearly four months of deliberation, reflects an inhuman approach that is totally inconsistent with the tenets of law," the bench said.

“For over 3.5 years, no FIR was registered, and more than 3 years of legal proceedings unfolded without initiating a formal investigation. For a poor and vulnerable child victim, this prolonged inaction is a grave injustice. We are relieved that the Hon’ble Court has admitted our SLP, and we remain committed to supporting and fighting for the victim,” said Rachna Tyagi, representing Just Rights for Children Alliance and the victim’s family. 

The trial court had summoned the accused, Pawan and Akash, under Section 376 IPC read with Section 18 of POCSO Act, considering the offence to be an attempt to rape. However, the Allahabad High Court held that the acts of grabbing the breasts of the child and forcefully dragging her beneath a culvert, before fleeing upon the arrival of passersby was not sufficient to establish the offence of “attempt to rape” under Section 376/511 IPC or “Rape” under Section 376 IPC read with Section 18 of the POCSO Act. Consequently, the charges were modified to Section 354(B) IPC read with Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued notices to the Union of India, the State of Uttar Pradesh, and all parties involved in the case. Just Rights for Children Alliance will now spearhead the legal proceedings to ensure that the dignity and rights of the victim are upheld and justice is delivered.

 

 

 

ICWO and TCTG Projects Bring Hope to the Most Neglected Children

 ICWO – TCTG projects achieved greater heights in addressing the underground and most venerable community among trafficking and sexual abuse of minor girls in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. This first initiative in the state with the capacity building of TCTH was able to identify rescue and rebuild the lives of marginalized most venerable children. Within a year the project has reached heights and creating a big impact.

Speaking on the occasion A.J.Hariharan, Founder –Secretary of ICWO expressed his thanks to the committed TCTG team and wishes that the projects continues with a big impact level and serve the unreached children. Mr.A.J.Hariharan stated that this impact will has been possible with the help of DC-Crime against women and children, District Legal Service Authority, Anti Vise Squad, All Women Police Station, Child Welfare Committee, Railway Protection Force, NGO’S and Special Juvenile Police unit child line.

ICWO – Just Rights for Children did tremendous appreciative work in a year

ICWO is a non profit and non government organization build a partnership with Just Rights for Children with biggest projects to prevent incidents of child  labour, child abuse and child trafficking, missing children and child marriage in Salem and Tamil Nadu districts.

ICWO was able to perform well with a capacity building from Just Right for Children in rebuilding the lives of marginalized most venerable children.

During an interview A.J.Hariharan, Founder-Secretary of ICWO expressed his thanks from Just Right for Children team and ICWO team for the great achievements and wished the projects to continue from strength to strength so as to make a impact in Tamil Nadu State.

South Asian Nations Come Together to Discuss Safe Migration to Combat Human Trafficking

In the wake of the ongoing safe migration crisis affecting the world, key stakeholders from nine South Asian countries—representing governments, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, the United Nations, and civil society organizations—came together for the ‘South Asia Consultation Promoting Safe Migration to Combat Trafficking’ in New Delhi. The day-long consultation highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive, rights-based strategy, harmonized migration policies across the region, and the necessity for legal and policy reforms aligned with both international and regional standards. It also emphasized that for an organized crime like trafficking, there is an urgent need for a coordinated global response and called for bilateral and multilateral agreements that encourage safe migration and enhance joint investigations into organized crime networks and illegal recruitment agencies. Also present at the consultation were migrants and victims of trafficking from different regions who shared their experiences and struggles, and put forth their suggestions. 

Just Rights for Children, a network of civil society organisations working for child protection and child rights in 39 countries, was the technical partner of the consultation, while the Association for Voluntary Action organized the consultation. 

Emphasizing on the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy to combat trafficking, BhuwanRibhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, said, “Trafficking is an organised and economic crime that thrives on exploitation, particularly of children and vulnerable youth. To combat this, we need a multi-pronged strategy: disrupt the economics of trafficking, prosecute and dismantle organised crime syndicates, and enhance intelligence coordination at local, national, and international levels through a global traffickers’ registry.” 

Commenting on the plight of individuals deported to India in shackles, and the fear among others in similar situations, he said that this grim reality highlights the urgent need for a global response against the organised crime of trafficking. “I urge the Indian, the US and other governments to initiate a nationwide crackdown on these trafficker's syndicates. Dismantling trafficking networks requires a coordinated effort across India, the US, and other transit countries. We must analyse the information provided by victims, trace financial transactions, and dismantle the economic syndicates driving this crime to break the cycle of exploitation.” 

He also emphasized that migration is a fundamental aspect of human nature, driven by the pursuit of growth, opportunity, and development. However, it is at the point where exploitation, coercion, and manipulation take hold that migration turns into trafficking. 

Addressing the Consultation, PriyankKanoongo, Member of the National Human Rights Commission and former Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), said, “A critical aspect that needs attention is awareness. Victims must recognize their own exploitation and stand up for their rights. Too often, they remain unaware of the injustices they face. Awareness must reach the last mile of the country, ensuring that the most vulnerable are heard, protected, and empowered.” 

Addressing the session on ‘the Global Compact, Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and Colombo Process in South Asia, BijayaKumariShreshtha, Executive Committee Member, Migrant Forum in Asia (South Asia), AMKAS, urged the Nepalese government to extend labor destinations from 110 to 160 as her forum has identified Nepali migrants traveling for labor work to 50 more nations where they could be vulnerable to exploitation. InsafNizam, Specialist, Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, International Labor Organisation DWT for South Asia stressed that to prevent migration, there is a need to ensure decent work and human rights. DeepikaNaruka from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime pointed that as per the Trafficking in Persons 2024 report, while the trafficking for forced labour is on the rise, the convictions remain limited. Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Ex-Chief Minister of Lumbini, Nepal emphasised that civil society organisations, government and private institutions should come together for safe migration. SumithaShaanthinniKishna, Director, Our Journey, Malaysia, talked about the importance of child-centric policies to combat trafficking. Dr. M.M.S.S.B Yalegama, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka and RajendraThapa, Joint Secretary, Human Rights and International Treaty Agreements Division, Nepal emphasised that there is a need for strong regional commitments and coordination among various stakeholders to combat trafficking.

 Dhananjay Tingal, Executive Director of the Association for Voluntary Action, said, “Children are the most affected by migration. Whether they are left behind as their parents move to new destinations or taken along, they bear the greatest burden due to the care-gap that remains. Beyond the hardships of transit, vulnerable children face an uncertain future. Moreover, it is important to understand that from source to transit to destination, trafficking networks operate at all levels. Only through collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community awareness, and action can we ensure that migration is safe and by choice.” 

The Consultation primarily focussed on the some of the key objectives of the GCM such as the vulnerabilities in migration, combating and preventing trafficking in the international context, provision of basic services for migrants, and empowering migrants and society for inclusion and social cohesion. The GCM is the first inter-governmental agreement covering international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. 

Some of the other key recommendations made during the consultation for safe migration in the South Asia region include: Strong convergence and partnerships among governments, civil society organizations, and international migration-related bodies; Education and awareness tools, such as community-based surveillance systems, integration of these issues into school curricula, and capacity-building for at-risk migrants; and Employing technology, including digital tools, artificial intelligence, and digital identity systems. 

Other key panellists who participated in the consultation included O.P. Singh, President, Indian Police Foundation; RajendraThapa, Joint Secretary, Human Rights and International Treaty Agreements Division, Nepal; Dr.BileshaWeeraratne, Research Fellow & Head of Migration and Urbanization Policy Research, Institute of Policy Studies, Sri Lanka; Onkar Sharma, Advisor, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India; and AshwatiDorje, Special Inspector General, Maharashtra Police.

 

 

"Old Friends, New Memories: Thiru Vi Ka School Reunion Event"

Thiru Vi Ka Higher Secondary School in Chennai held a grand alumni reunion on 26. 01. 2025, attended by over 400 former students. The event included a delicious lunch, musical performances, and beautiful decorations. Dr. Thiru Vedagiri Shanmuga Sundaram and former Alumni president Thiru Kannan welcomed everyone, while current president Thiru Arul gave a speech and Thiru Vadivel offered thanks. Attendees appreciated the Alumni Association for organizing the reunion and helping them relive their school memories.

Children's Rights Take Center Stage as Just Rights For Children, ICWO celebrates Foundation Day

Just Rights For Children, the country’s largest network of civil society organization, working to end violence against children,  celebrated foundation day with over 250 NGO partners in more than 400 districts participating in programmes organized across the country to mark the occasion. Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO in Salem & Chennai district participated in the programme reaffirming its resolve to create a just world for children. Just Rights For Children has emerged as the leading civil society organization globally working for the protection of children from all kinds of violence and sexual abuse through the enforcement of laws and the creation of legal deterrents. In 2023-2024, Just Rights For Children (JRC) partners have led the rescue of more than 60000 children and the prosecution of over 30000 traffickers and employers. In Salem & Chennai district Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO rescued 66 children.

The most notable judgments in cases filed by JRC partners include the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court against Child Sexual and Exploitative Material (CSEM) and online sexual abuse of children. Similarly, the Supreme Court judgment against child marriage and the creation of a support person in all POCSO cases have been instrumental in developing an institutional framework for the protection of children across the country.

Addressing child protection activists across the country, the founder, Just Rights For Children, Bhuwan Ribhu, said “If we fail to protect our children today, nothing else we do in the future matters. The only way to ensure the sustainability of legal deterrence is by focusing on rehabilitation and convictions. Our goal this year is to ensure that the journey from prosecution to conviction becomes a reality. Because it is the force of law that will create the fear in the minds of the perpetrators and prevent crime and violence against children.”

Reaffirming their resolve to remain committed to protecting children who are the future of the nation, the NGO partners and activists recalled the unparalleled work of Just Rights For Children, which has been instrumental in supporting the Child Marriage Free Bharat (CMFB) campaign in India and the Child Marriage Free Nepal (CMFN) campaign in Nepal by working in close association with governments at the Central and state levels. JRC has prevented over 2.5 lakh child marriages in India.

Lauding JRC's crucial role in child protection issues, Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO the partner of JRC in Salem & Chennai district on the occasion said, “We would like to congratulate all activists across the world and especially in India who are part of one family and working together as part of JRC. Through unparalleled grassroots mobilization, we are shaping a future where every child can thrive. Together, we have driven accountability in law enforcement, reformed laws and policies, enhanced institutional transparency, and delivered justice to those who need it most.”

Just Rights for Children & ICWO Strengthens Commitment with NITI Aayog-AVA Collaboration

In a huge push to the child protection ecosystem in the country, Niti Aayog and the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) have come together to collaboratively focus on the most vulnerable regions of India to protect, empower and educate children, and aims to declare 15,000 villages in 104 blocks in the country ‘Child Marriage Free’ in one year. Extending complete support, Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO expressed solidarity and said that this collaboration between AVA and NITI Aayog gives them a new lease of enthusiasm and they are committed to make Salem & Chennai District free from any kind of child exploitation including child labour, child trafficking, child marriage and child abuse. Both Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO and AVA are partners of Just Rights for Children, a network of over 250 NGOs working for child protection and child rights in 416 districts of the country. 

Through a Statement of Intent (SoI) signed, this collaboration will target the Aspirational Blocks in 73 districts and establish Bal Surakshit Grams -- a flagship model developed by JRC to foster communities free from child marriage and exploitation. This initiative is aligned with the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. 

Extending complete support, A.J.Hariharan, Secretary, Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO, said, “We have been working relentlessly to make our district child marriage free in line with the Government of India’s ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’. This collaboration is a huge push to our cause and we are committed to collaborating with AVA to make the district free of child marriage. 

Additionally, we will work towards strengthening the child protection mechanisms in the district as well. Together, we will ensure that all our children will have an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive." 

Under the two-year SoI, a comprehensive strategy will be implemented to empower young girls, strengthen the education ecosystem in some of the most underserved and vulnerable regions of India. Movement and marriage registers will be established at the Panchayat level across all targeted villages to monitor and prevent child marriage and child trafficking. Vulnerable and out-of-school children will be connected to education and skill development opportunities, while at-risk individuals and families will be linked to existing government social welfare schemes. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dhananjay Tingal, Executive Director, Association for Voluntary Action, said, “We are filled with immense pride and gratitude today as we take a significant step forward in empowering the most vulnerable sections of our society. With collaborated efforts, we aim to make these blocks child marriage free by the end of 2025 and set a precedent for others. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting every child’s right to safety, education, and dignity, and to end crimes like child marriage. True child protection can only be achieved through the collective effort of government bodies, civil society organizations, and communities working in unison across every level—district, block, and state.” 

NITI Aayog will collaborate with the state governments, central ministries and other key stakeholders at the district, block and village levels while Just Rights for Children partner will work on identifying such families, collaborate with district administration and governments, and develop a database to track the progress of every child and vulnerable family in real-time among other things.