Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment, and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) and a passionate defender of child rights, died of a heart attack in Bangladesh in the early hours of Thursday, November 19. He was on an official visit to see the international compliance progress in RMG factories in Dhaka.

A 2 min silence was observed in Bachpan Bachao Andolan at Kalkaji, New Delhi, on the loss of a great Child Rights Leader.

Kailash Satyarthi, Chairperson Global March Against Child Labour and Founder Bachpan Bachao Andolan paid homage to the leader and said, “It is very hard to believe that Neil has left us. He was a true champion in the global fight against child labour and for the rights of unorganized, ignored and neglected workers. He led the battle against child labour in the workers movement for decades. His passion, commitment, analytical skills and knowledge on child labour was remarkable and inspired unions, individual workers, and social activists worldwide. In him, we have lost a chief support. I, on behalf of Global March Family present my condolences to his family, ITGLWF and the GUFs."

Known among people as a true friend, guide and hero, Neil was equally at home negotiating at the highest level or talking with workers on the factory floor. He initiated genuine dialogues and bridged voids between unions and NGOs. Mr. Satyarthi recalled his conversation with Kearney in 1997 which made Global March against Child Labour possible and said, "He had innumerable questions but in the end, he held my hand and promised to be part of the movement."

R.S Chaurasia , Chairperson Bachapan Bachao Andolan said, "It was only a few days back that we facilitated Neil Kearney in our Central office in New Delhi and had a discussion on child labour issue. It is hard to believe that he is no longer with us. His able guidance will be missed forever."

Sumedha Kailash , Director Bal Ashram said, "It is a massive loss for all of us. I can recall when he came with his wife to Bal Ashram, he played and danced with children and became a friend and an inspiration for them. He was a great human being and leader."

Kearney received the "Il Natale, La Notta della Vita" international award for his work on the elimination of child labour worldwide in 1998. In 1999, he received the "Work and Environment Award" of the Associazione Ambiente e Lavoro for his efforts to improve working conditions, especially in developing countries.