WORKING CHILDREN AS PROTAGONISTS 

Celebrating International Working Children’s Day

In the International meeting of Working Children’s Movements from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that took place  in October, 2006 in Siena, the delegates present voted in favour of declaring the 9th of December as the “International day of Working Children”. This is a particularly important date for the Movement, because ten years ago on the 9th of December, 1996, in Kundapur (India), a long process was started that led the organisations of working children to found the International Movement of Working Children. The Concerned for Working Children and Bhima Sangha hosted the meeting in India in collaboration with the International Working Group on Child Labour (IWGCL).

 

The members of Bhima Sangha marked the International Working Children’s Day here in Bangalore. They had discussions about the issues faced by working children in today’s reality - and about the increased terrorism and violence that has a direct impact on their lives. They also celebrated their day with a theatre performance and with several songs and dances. Former members (now members of the youth association) of Bhima Sangha interacted with children and shared with them why the Kundapur Declaration is of historic significance and also about the International Movement of Working Children.

 

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'Let your election manifestoes convey your commitment to children's rights'

Children urge the political parties of Karnataka to unequivocally express their commitment to children and their rights in their election manifestoes by including the issues highlighted below. As they gear up for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in the State, the children request all the political parties to take serious note of the issues raised by them with sincerity and a sense of urgency. [ Click Here for more details]

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The National Movement of Working Children (NMWC) meet for the 13th time in Bangalore, India. The NMWC is a federation of working children's organisations who have united to fight against the exploitation and discrimination of child labourers. To read more about the NMWC, click here.

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A unique consultation took place in Bangalore, India in July. Children from different parts of Karnataka, representing different groups of children discussed four proposed State Bills and one National Bill that relate directly to their lives.

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We, the members of the National Movement of Working Children (NMWC) are proud to announce the submission of our Alternate Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. Our Government did not consult us when they prepared their Periodic Report. So this Alternate Report has been sent to the Committee to ensure that our views are heard and to hold our Government accountable to us, the children of India. In our report we have highlighted our problems and also listed the solutions we propose, in addition to our critique of the Government's Report.

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We request you and the children you work with to participate in a National Discourse on the National Children’s Commission Bill, which will be introduced in the Parliament during the Monsoon Session this year. We can collectively use the complied information to influence the debate in Parliament. We request you to send in your responses on or before June 7, 2003.

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Parents cannot be penalised for not sending children to school - Letter to Prime Minister of India, Sri Atal Behari Vajpayee, in response to news items carried in some of the local newspapers in Karnataka covering the PM's interactions with a group of school children in Manali recently

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'Listening to Bhima Sangha has been an eye-opening experience. This is an University in itself,' said P.G.R. Sindhya, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kanakpura constituency at the training workshop conducted for the members of Bhima Sangha between April 27-30, 2003

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Excerpt from 'Strengthening Child-led Organisations'- a report of a Supporting Event organised during the UNGASS session, New York, May 2002.


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"My impression of Namma Bhoomi," Maryanne

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A journey in children's participation

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Bhima Sangha, since its inception in 1990 has taken a strong stand against substance abuse. Over the years its members have raised the issue in several forums, have acted against violence related to substance abuse and have lobbied with the local administrators to close down liquor shops in their areas. www.indiatogether.org

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Stephen  Henn's article  titled `Child Labour Union', January 21, 2003 at  http://www.marketplace.org/features/child_labor

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Bhima Sangha and Makkala Panchayat take on the issue of child marriage head on. They have received overwhelming support from other organisation. It has all been a process where they also have to face stiff opposition. A detailed report will be made available soon.
Children say `no'  to child marriage

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Child domestic work – violence behind closed doors

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Children’s Gramasabha – linking children to governance

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Children as activists : When they realised that they were not recognised by the powers-that-be, working children decided to form Bhima Sangha, a union of, by and for working children.

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International movements of working children: Working children are gradually finding platforms to air their points of view.

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Children's expressions: We hope for work that we enjoy and a world in peace

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"Children’s Gramasabha of Keradi should become a role model for all Panchayats" For more details click here

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Children’s Gramasabha – linking children to governance
For more details click here

 
     

An Appeal : Join us in our effort and contribute to our cause!
Send your responses to: cwcblr@vsnl.com