President: Advocate Ramesh Gupta Chairperson: Prof. R. S. Chaurasia Treasurer: Mr. Laxman Singh National Secretaries: Ms. Suman, Mr. P. K. Pant, Mr. Govind Khanal, Mr. Rakesh Senger, Mr. Vinay Singh, Mr. Bhuwan Ribhu State Convenor: Dr. Raghvendra Tomar - MP Mr. Rajendra Gunjal- Rajasthan Mr. Ajay K. Singh- Bihar Mr. Mahendra Gautam/Arvind Sharma - UP Mr. Hansa Singh- Punjab Mr. Laxman Gaikwad- Maharashtra

BBA made some of the dreams of its founders come true. Govind Khanal, a former child labourer from Nepal, freed by BBA in 1996 and rehabilitated and educated by the organisation, has been selected as one of the National Secretaries of BBA. During his time in the rehabilitation centre (Mukti Ashram) he was trained and showed his ability as a true youth leader across many countries during Global March in 1998. He proved his capabilities by handling responsible positions in remote villages.

Laxman Singh, popularly known as Laxman Master, was liberated from slavery from the stone quarries of Haryana in mid 80s'; educated and trained by the organisation as teacher and cashier, he is now BBA's national treasurer.

The visionary and the founder of movement against child labour across the globe, Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, has stepped down from chair as well as from all other organisational positions of BBA to give an opportunity to the younger generation.

Mr. Ramesh Gupta, close ally of BBA since its inception, an eminent lawyer and the president of Delhi State Bar Council (the statutory body of over 40,000 lawyers in the Supreme Court, High Court and all District and Session Court) has now been elected as the President of BBA.

Prof. Rama Shankar Chaurasia, one of the most dedicated activists of the movement, who not only liberated thousands of bonded labourers and children, but also led several campaigns has now has been elected as the Chairperson.

The general election of BBA (which has over 80,000 individual members), was held in Delhi on January 18, 2007. The National Chaupal (General Assembly) consisted of over 200 elected representatives from various districts, states and the allied legal entities.

"As you know, I always feel inspired and energised being with the children, my activists and ordinary people; and also feel weak in maintaining any kind of bureaucracy and poor in the administration. Therefore, I am going back to my people and children as an ordinary member of BBA. Where I can draw more power to fight all forms of child slavery," said Kailash Satyarthi in his parting remarks as the chairperson of BBA. While congratulating the new team he reiterated his belief and trust in the leadership, capacities, dedication, commitment and deep-rooted ideological commitment and value of the new team.

The International Children's Peace Prize was awarded to Om Prakash Gurjar in the centre of Dutch Government in The Hague, The Netherlands. The fourteen-year-old boy from the Jaipur region in India, won the prize because of his brave fight against child labour and child slavery. The Children's Peace Prize was awarded by Frederik Willem De Klerk, former President of South Africa, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize together with Nelson Mandela.

Speaking through an interpreter, Om reminded adults that they have a duty to listen to children. “This is our right - that they have to listen. This is children's rights. And if they are not abiding with that right, we will work harder to make them hear.”

Om Prakash Gurjar was taken away from his parents at the age of five and went through three years of child slavery. After he was rescued by the activist of BBA, he was taken care of in Bal Ashram (a transit rehabilitation centre for former child labourers run by Bachpan Bachao Andolan) and was able to go to school. From the moment Om Prakash started living in this refuge, he initiated several remarkable activities to bring attention to children's rights. For instance, he successfully fought against the unlawful contributions the poorest parents often still had to pay to let their children go to school. The result was that in the whole state of Rajasthan, education became accessible to all children. He also helped making many villages “Child Friendly”, meaning that all children's rights are respected there and that child labour is not accepted. Moreover, he campaigned so that parents would get their children birth certificates, which protects their children from exploitation and gives them the right to health care and education. On his own, he arranged for more than 500 such official documents, thus saving these children from the fate that was once his own.

On 24 January 2007, another heartening incident of trafficking, captivity and slavery was exposed through a secret raid in the capital conducted by BBA, in association with the officials of Labour Department, Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kanjhawla of North West district of Delhi and the police, in which 39 children from Sitamarhi were released. The youngest among them was 8 years old. Most of these children were trafficked from their native villages during the past 1 to 2 years.

Living and working in sub-human conditions, they were never allowed to go back home. Most of them were paid only Rs. 20-25 per week as pocket money, they were given unpalatable food besides abusive treatment said one child, Mohd. Nirale. He said that it was common for them to be hurt by the needles used for zari embroidery. The needles are slightly hooked and have to be twisted to remove them from the skin. This would lead to some tender flesh coming out along with the needle. They received no medical attention for this. Another child, 10-year-old Safruddin said that they were beaten often. They had to fix the cloth to the frames and tighten it so that they can embroider the clothes. But sometimes, the cloth tore in the process and whenever this happened, the children were beaten black and blue.

BBA received complaints from some sources that a group of children were confined in Sultanpuri, Mongolpuri and Nithari areas of North West Delhi, based on which BBA activists conducted a thorough investigation. BBA chairperson, R.S. Chaurasia, then approached the SDM and the labour authorities to seek the release of these children under the relevant laws. Their release is being secured under the Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1976. Under this law, each of the families of the children would be entitled for various rehabilitation schemes under the Central and State Governments. They will be given Rs. 20,000 along with facilities of housing and land etc. Children would be enrolled in schools. The employers would also be prosecuted for violation of labour laws.

"Follow-up for statutory rehabilitation and if necessary providing transit shelter, rehabilitation, and education by the organisation itself for each child, is of utmost priority for BBA" said Kailash Satyarthi. He informed that the 50 children released last month from North Delhi were to be produced before the Chief Minister of Bihar in Patna. The deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the labour portfolio has pledged and directed the authorities for immediate rehabilitation of those children and of all the children who will be released.

Mr. Ramesh Gupta, President of BBA has demanded a thorough investigation to measure the magnitude of the problem of child trafficking and servitude in the zari industry in Delhi.

	Key points to emerge from the consultation were: Concern that different kinds of education (formal/non formal etc) leading to inequities and social exclusion for the poor from good quality full time meaningful education. Emphasis was on common education systems with the public/private schools taking responsibility to educate unprivileged and hard to reach children. It was considered important to help government with implementation of the 11th ten year plan and focus special attention on the issues and concerns of child labour. It was agreed by all the participants and the speakers that the education bill should be passed by the central government (and not by the state governments as it is currently) as soon as possible so that provision of free and good quality of education could be attained. The budget allocation for education and child welfare should be increased. The promised 9% GDP should be given. Social mobilisation and awareness among the communities at the grassroots level were considered to be the effective tool to stop child labour and establish meaningful outreach to address the hardest to reach children. All agreed that children should be given opportunities to speak .The intervention strategy of Bal Mitra Gram (Child friendly villages) and Bal Panchayat (Children's Assembly) initiated by Bachpan Bachao Andolan was also appreciated as a tool to achieve child labour elimination through education for all, provide avenues for children to develop their leadership quality. It was also felt that this was the most effective strategy in helping monitor the implication of laws at the grassroots level.

On 17 January 2007 National Consultation on the inter-linkages of child labour, education for all and poverty alleviation was jointly organised by Global March Against Child Labour and hosted byBachpan Bachao Andolan. This unique consultation saw the participation of over 300 stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, Government of India, former child labourers, representatives from UN agencies, Teachers associations, Trade unions and International NGOs.

The event was inaugurated by Om Prakash, a former child laborer and winner of the International Children's Peace Prize. Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, introduced the specifics of the Global task Force (GTF) on child labor and education. He stressed the need for understanding the cross cutting relationship between child labor, education and poverty and asked for coherence in national efforts at the policy and practice level.

Dr. Lakshmidhar Mishra, Special Rapporteur, National Human Rights Commission of the Government of India emphasized that the Indian Constitution provides for the fundamental rights in Articles 24, 38, 39, 45. These along with Article 21 (for protection of life and personal liberty), are all contravened when children are forced to work. Article 21 has inherent to it the right to land, water, health and there exists a link between these rights and child labour elimination, education and poverty alleviation. Universal access, universal retention and participation are the most important steps to ensure good quality education for the children.

Ms. Harjot Kaur, Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India elaborated the various efforts of the government towards child labour elimination and the coordination efforts between the various departments. She discussed the future plans of Labour Ministry and said that from April 2007, the NCLP would be extended to all the districts in the country. “Child labour and Education for all is one of the major goals of the Labour Ministry and hence this decision.” She further justified - “Keeping in view the economic condition of the people, Government has consciously adopted the distinction. But the complete elimination of child labour is a goal before us.”

Ms. Rei Vejs Kjeldgaard, Deputy Director, ILO-Sub Regional Office mentioned that “Interpreting the several legs of the Triangular Paradigm, our slogan and effort should be 'Parents at work, children to school'.” She explained the responsibility of ILO in hosting the Secretariat of the GTF and explained how UN agencies have come together on recognising child labour as an obstacle to EFA. The UN's commitment to the Triangular paradigm is as strong as ever.

Ms. Maxine Olson, UN Resident Coordinator, India summed up the session by putting forward the challenges that exist in Triangular Paradigm. “Child labour is wrong. Child labour is illegal. It cannot continue and reiterated that it is our responsibility to ensure that child labour does not continue, that children are out of work and into schools.”

Ms. Heather Rogers, Political and Labour Section US Embassy, India discussed the future plans of US embassy with Indian Government and ILO for eradication of child labour. She said that the US Government will support the NCLP Programme in addressing new challenges in implementing the 11th plan strategy and provide lessons and good practices for mid course correction in NCLP implementation.

Mr. Minar Pimple, Deputy Director, Asia, Millenium Campaign said that Child labour issue, education and poverty can't be seen separately. He praised the links of BBA with the MDG campaign in India and emphasised the clear advocacy challenges that are faced in the realization of MDG's.

Swami Agnivesh, noted religio-human rights defender and Ramesh Gupta, Chair, Delhi Bar Association closed the session with a vote of thanks and expressed the hope that the consultations will enable mid course corrections in addressing the core issue of child labor and the ongoing efforts on poverty alleviation, education for all and make MDG's realisation possible.

On January 4, 2007, hundreds of children including former missing children, social activists and concerned citizens assembled at Rajghat to pay tribute to the child victims of Nithari. Wearing black ribbons and holding placards they silently marched from Samta Sthal to Rajghat today. The protest was organised by BBA.

The protestors alleged that the government of Uttar Pradesh was trying to shield the higher officials as well as the highly placed individuals who had helped the main culprit in the past. Their demands were-
1. CBI should be asked to enquire into the Nithari episode
2. Under the direction of the Supreme Court, an enquiry commission should be launched to look into the matter of missing children in the country and come out with a report on the involvement and abetment of police officials in the same within 2 months.
3. There are about 45,000 missing children every year as per the National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) report on trafficking. 11000 of them are never traced. The Government should enunciate a white paper on this issue.
4. The investigation on the incident in house No D-5 in Nithari should be completed quickly; the house should be brought down and instead, a memorial to the children be erected in its place.
5. The senior police officials of Gautam Budhha Nagar, Noida should be dismissed immediately to ensure proper investigation.
6. International standards and laws should be implemented with respect to missing children.

Speaking on the occasion, Kailash Satyarthi, said, "Nithari episode is a matter of national shame and is the biggest stigma on the face of our society and polity." He further said, "This cannot be washed away only by catching the small fish. The leadership in the government at the top should have the courage to own the moral responsibility and if they have any vestige of shame left in them, they should resign immediately."

Children marched silently for their peers and carried placards saying "Shame on Government." Mr. Satyarthi also called upon everybody in the nation to observe January 25, 2007, the eve of Republic Day as "Nithari Day" to condemn this most brutal episode and to pay tribute to the deceased children. "When the security of children is undermined by such incidents, can we still call ourselves a Republic?" he questioned. BBA also appealed to the President seeking his immediate intervention in the matter.

During the South Asian March Against Child Trafficking, 21 children rescued and 9 traffickers were arrested. On 10th March while the marchers were addressing the public on the evils of trafficking and slavery, people complained that through Raxual (Bihar) station, trains leave carrying large numbers of children from nearby villages in India and Nepal. On hearing this, the marchers lead by Kailash Satyarthi entered the station. Ironically, Satyagraha Express was stationed at the platform. Satyagraha was the name of Gandhi's Campaign for truth that started from Raxaul Champaran area. As BBA activists entered the train coach, they could see at least two-dozen children. As the BBA team started questioning the children, they saw that some adults were rounding off the children and fleeing the coach.

The traffickers started abusing and manhandling the BBA activists. After a long 2-hour confrontation, 9 children and 12 traffickers were taken to the Railway Protection Force Station. The police did not entertain the BBA activists at first, until Sri Satyarthi intervened and spoke with the Deputy Superintendent of Police. As the police dilly-dallied, 3 traffickers fled the police station with 3 children.

After a long legal discussion and argument, the police finally registered a complaint by the BBA. 13 other children were rescued by the police in Siliguri on 3rd March 2007 after the public rally on 2nd March 07. BBA was also successful in rescuing 2 children from Forbesganj Railway Station in Bihar.

12 years old Rakesh was selected as a jury member for the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child and will be traveling to Sweden in April.

"When I was only 6 years old, I was taking my parents' cattle out to graze with some of my friends when a man offered us sweets. My friends and I decided to take some and were kidnapped. The sweets had something bad in it and we were too sick to runaway. When I tried, I was caught and told I would be thrown out of the train. I went to three different houses before I ended up at the place I was forced to work as a slave for 6 years in Bodhpind village near Amritsar (Punjab). I slept in a cowshed and was given tea that was drugged every morning to make me work. If I refused to drink it, I was beaten and it was forced down my throat. I worked from five in the morning to ten at night doing various chores. I was sent to cut grass and often cut my fingers from being dizzy from the drugs.

My father had been searching for me and so with the help of the BBA, was able to rescue me. When I was found, I could not communicate with my parents as the man who mistreated me spoke another language. I had lost my mother tongue. I stayed with my parents for a few days after which I came to Bal Ashram. I was happy at Bal Ashram as I was no longer forced to work. I could play games and attend school (non-formal education). Learning and reading Hindi is my favourite. I love to communicate with drawings. I still love to draw.

I want to study and become a teacher. I am really excited about getting selected as a jury member for the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child.