#Dominican Republic #Santo Domingo #Just Rights for Children #Bhuwan Ribhu #World Law Congress

Recognized for a Cause

Recently, the World Law Congress (WLC) held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, awarded Bhuwan Ribhu, the founder of Just Rights for Children (JRC), the prestigious Medal of Honour. Ribhu's significant contributions in the battle against child marriage and trafficking were acknowledged during this international event, which took place from May 4 to 6, 2025, and featured over 1500 jurists and 300 speakers from more than 70 countries.

The World Jurist Association (WJA), which organizes this congress, has a rich history of recognizing individuals who champion justice and human rights, with past honorees including renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ribhu joins this elite company, a testament to his unwavering dedication to children's rights.

A Lifelong Commitment to Children's Rights

For over two decades, Bhuwan Ribhu has been at the forefront of advocating for children's rights, leveraging the power of law to combat modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, and child sexual abuse. His relentless advocacy has led to significant legal reforms that aim to safeguard millions of children worldwide.

In his acceptance speech, Ribhu emphasized, "Children should never have to fight for justice alone. The law must serve as their shield, and justice must be their right." His words resonated deeply within the audience, reinforcing the necessity of justice and legal protection for vulnerable populations, especially children.

Javier Cremades, president of the WJA, commended Ribhu's efforts, stating, "He believes justice is the strongest pillar of democracy, dedicating his life to protect children and women who suffer from sexual crimes, both locally and globally. His tireless efforts have rescued hundreds of thousands of children and women, creating a legal framework that will protect future generations. This award recognizes his unyielding work towards a safer and fairer world for children through the power of law."

Achievements of Just Rights for Children

Founded on the principles of justice and advocacy, JRC remains the world's largest civil society network with more than 250 partner organizations dedicated to justice reform and social equity. Operating in countries such as India, Nepal, Kenya, and the USA, JRC seeks impactful legal interventions and community engagement to address child rights issues.

Since April 2023, JRC has made remarkable strides, illustrating the potent combination of innovation and determination. Notable achievements include:

• - Rescuing over 85,000 children from trafficking
• - Preventing and dissolving over 300,000 child marriages
• - Providing legal and psychosocial support to more than 34,000 survivors of sexual abuse
• - Filing over 54,000 cases against child traffickers

Ribhu passionately conveyed, "These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives saved, futures restored, and an unwavering commitment to our children."

Moving Forward

Bhuwan Ribhu's recognition at the World Law Congress stands as an inspiration for those in the fight against child exploitation. His leadership and the initiatives driven by JRC aim to create a future where every child has the right to a safe and nurturing environment. As the global community rallies behind this cause, ongoing efforts continue to reinforce the fundamental rights of children everywhere.

In summary, Ribhu’s journey highlights the impact that legal action and advocacy can have on society’s most vulnerable members, proving that dedicated individuals can spark monumental change in the world.