#Dominican Republic #Santo Domingo #Just Rights for Children #Bhuwan Ribhu #Child Marriage

Bhuwan Ribhu's Honor at the World Law Congress

Bhuwan Ribhu, the founder of Just Rights for Children (JRC), is a prominent activist fighting against child marriage and child trafficking. His efforts have recently been recognized at the World Law Congress (WLC) 2025, where he was awarded the Medal of Honour by the World Jurist Association (WJA). The event took place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from May 4 to May 6, 2025, gathering over 1,500 legal professionals and 300 speakers from more than 70 countries.

Ribhu's work in the realm of children's rights has spanned over two decades, during which he has passionately advocated for reforms to protect children from modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, sexual abuses, and child marriage. His innovative use of the rule of law has been pivotal in his fight, leading to substantial legal reforms that safeguard millions of children today and for future generations.

In his acceptance speech, Ribhu emphasized the crucial role of law in protecting children, stating, “Children should never have to fight for justice alone. The law must be their shield, and justice must be their right.” His sentiments were echoed by Javier Cremades, the president of the WJA, who spoke of Ribhu's unwavering commitment to justice as the heartbeat of democracy. He highlighted how Ribhu’s initiatives have saved hundreds of thousands of children and women, creating legal frameworks that will benefit future generations.

Just Rights for Children is recognized as the largest civil society network globally, comprising over 250 partner organizations working within criminal and social justice systems across India, Nepal, Kenya, and the United States. This influential network seeks to incite ecosystem-level responses through legal interventions and community engagement. Since April 2023, JRC’s initiatives have produced compelling outcomes, showcasing the potential for innovation and determination in the fight against child rights violations. These figures include:

• - Over 85,000 children rescued from human trafficking.
• - More than 300,000 child marriages prevented and halted.
• - Support provided for over 34,000 children victimized by sexual abuse through legal and psychosocial aid.
• - More than 54,000 cases initiated against child traffickers.

“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives saved, futures restored, and a commitment to stand up for our children,” Ribhu remarked, underscoring the urgency and importance of continued advocacy for child rights.

The recognition of Bhuwan Ribhu at the World Law Congress serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the critical need for continued action toward protecting the rights of children everywhere. His relentless work highlights the importance of legal advocacy in achieving social justice and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Through the power of the law, Ribhu continues to inspire others and prove that change is indeed possible in the fight against child exploitation.