The Delhi High Court was recently called upon by Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) to review a petition calling for video conferencing to record the testimonies of child witnesses housed in child welfare centres, instead of requiring their physical presence in court. The proposal given by BBA comes as a measure against the spread of Covid-19.
About Bachpan Bachao Andolan
Established in 1980 by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Bachpan Bachao Andolan is India’s most extensive movement advocating for children’s rights. Over the years, it has been dedicated to the mission of identifying, liberating, rehabilitating, and educating children who live in servitude. Through mass mobilisation, preventative measures, direct intervention and legal recourse, the organisation strives to build a society where children’s welfare is paramount.
The Role of Bachpan Bachao Andolan as a Non-Government Organization
In its capacity as a non-government organisation (NGO), Bachpan Bachao Andolan prioritises the termination of bonded labour, child labour and human trafficking, whilst actively advocating for the right to education for every child. A key event organised by the movement is the Baal Panchayat, held annually on World Day Against Child Labour, which falls on 12th June.
Throughout its existence, the NGO has successfully liberated more than 88,000 children from various forms of servitude, including those trapped in bonded labour. This monumental achievement is testament to the efficacy of the organisation’s initiatives and its unwavering commitment to child welfare.
Kailash Satyarthi: Nobel Prize Laureate
Kailash Satyarthi’s unyielding dedication towards championing children’s rights and education was internationally recognised in 2014, when he was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. He shared this accolade with Malala Yousafzai. Both laureates were commended for their exceptional contributions to advancing child education.
The Recent Petition and Its Relevance
The recent petition filed by the BBA is a step forward in ensuring child safety amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The proposal to record statements of child witnesses through video conferencing instead of physical court presence eliminates potential exposure of these vulnerable individuals to the virus. It serves as another example of how Bachpan Bachao Andolan continues to adapt and find effective ways to safeguard children’s rights and well-being under changing circumstances.
As we await the Delhi High Court’s response, it is clear that the outcome will have implications on how child witnesses are treated in future, especially during health crises such as the one we are facing currently.
