Kailash Satyarthi, Indian engineer, academic, and activist, Nobel Prize laureate

Kailash Satyarthi, born on January 11, 1954, is a distinguished Indian social reformer globally recognized for his tireless efforts to combat child labour and advocate for the universal right to education for every child. His profound dedication to child protection earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, an honor he shared with Malala Yousafzai. The Norwegian Nobel Committee specifically cited their "struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education," highlighting their pivotal roles in championing the fundamental rights of the world's most vulnerable children.

Satyarthi's work extends beyond mere advocacy; it encompasses direct action, rehabilitation, and systemic change through policy influence. Over several decades, he has founded and significantly contributed to numerous impactful organizations dedicated to these causes, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive global movement against child exploitation.

Pioneering Organizations and Direct Action

At the heart of Kailash Satyarthi's mission are the various social activist organizations he established or co-founded, each playing a crucial role in his comprehensive approach to child protection:

• Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA): Founded in 1980, this grassroots movement, meaning 'Save Childhood Movement,' is renowned for its direct action in rescuing children from various forms of child labour, including bonded labour, slavery, and trafficking, across India. BBA has been instrumental in the liberation and rehabilitation of over 86,000 children, providing them with a second chance at childhood, education, and a dignified life through rescue operations and subsequent support.
• Global March Against Child Labour: Conceived and led by Satyarthi in 1998, this historic initiative brought together diverse groups from around the world to demand an end to the worst forms of child labour, directly influencing international policy.
• Global Campaign for Education (GCE): Co-founded by Satyarthi, GCE is a broad-based coalition that advocates for the right to free, quality public education for all, recognizing education as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation that often drives child labour.
• Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF): This foundation continues his legacy by developing and implementing sustainable models for child protection, fostering child-friendly villages, and advocating for robust policies that ensure children's safety and well-being.
• Bal Ashram Trust: A long-term rehabilitation and education center for rescued child labourers, providing them with holistic care, vocational training, and integration into mainstream society, ensuring a sustainable path away from exploitation.

The Global March Against Child Labour and International Impact

A pivotal moment in Satyarthi's career and in the global fight against child labour was the 1998 Global March Against Child Labour. This unprecedented movement saw an 80,000 km (approximately 49,710 miles) long march involving participants from 103 countries. It served as a powerful global demonstration, uniting children, youth, trade unionists, teachers, and human rights activists to demand an end to child exploitation worldwide.

The marchers, including many courageous survivors of child trafficking, forced labour, sexual abuse, illegal organ transplants, and armed conflict, presented a clear set of demands to international bodies. These demands were not merely symbolic; they directly influenced the drafting of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

What is ILO Convention 182?

ILO Convention 182, formally known as the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), is a landmark international treaty that calls for the immediate prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. These forms include, but are not limited to, all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery (such as debt bondage and forced labour), the use of children for prostitution or pornography, the use of children for illicit activities (such as drug production and trafficking), and work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. It aims to protect children from the most egregious forms of exploitation.

Just one year after the Global March, in 1999, the ILO Conference in Geneva unanimously adopted Convention 182, marking it as the fastest-ratified convention in ILO history and a testament to the undeniable global consensus catalyzed by Satyarthi's visionary leadership.

Continued Advocacy and Global Recognition

Kailash Satyarthi's influence extends far beyond these foundational movements. He has actively served on the boards and committees of several prominent international organizations, lending his expertise to critical global causes. These include the Center for Victims of Torture (USA), which supports survivors of human rights abuses; the International Labor Rights Fund (USA), dedicated to advancing labour rights globally; and the World Cocoa Foundation's Cocoa Initiative, which works to combat child labour in the cocoa industry supply chain by promoting responsible practices.

His unwavering commitment and impactful work have garnered significant international acclaim:

• In 2015, Fortune magazine recognized him as one of the "World's Greatest Leaders," acknowledging his profound influence on global humanitarian efforts and his innovative approach to social reform.
• He was featured in LinkedIn's Power Profiles List in both 2017 and 2018, underscoring his visibility and thought leadership in the social sector and his ability to inspire through digital platforms.

Beyond international forums, Satyarthi continues to drive change within India. In 2017, he led the "Bharat Yatra," a nationwide march across India covering 19,000 km (approximately 12,000 miles) in 35 days. The primary objective of this powerful campaign was to demand more stringent legislation and societal action against child rape, child sexual abuse, and trafficking, demonstrating his sustained dedication to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation and expanding his advocacy to emerging challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kailash Satyarthi

Who is Kailash Satyarthi?

Kailash Satyarthi is an eminent Indian social reformer and child rights activist born on January 11, 1954. He is renowned for his extensive campaigns against child labour in India and his unwavering advocacy for the universal right to education for all children. He is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

What is Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)?

Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), meaning 'Save Childhood Movement,' is a grassroots organization founded by Kailash Satyarthi in 1980. It specializes in direct action, including rescue operations, rehabilitation, and education for child labourers in India, having successfully liberated over 86,000 children from various forms of exploitation.

What was the Global March Against Child Labour?

The Global March Against Child Labour was a historic, worldwide march led by Kailash Satyarthi in 1998. It covered 80,000 km across 103 countries, uniting activists and survivors to raise global awareness and exert pressure on governments to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. This monumental effort directly influenced the unanimous adoption of ILO Convention 182.

Why did Kailash Satyarthi receive the Nobel Peace Prize?

Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, sharing the honor with Malala Yousafzai. The prize recognized their joint "struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education," acknowledging their profound contributions to child protection and education advocacy.

What is ILO Convention 182?

ILO Convention 182, adopted in 1999, is a crucial international treaty from the International Labour Organization. It mandates the immediate prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, which include all forms of slavery (like debt bondage), child prostitution, child soldiers, drug trafficking by children, and any work that harms a child's health, safety, or morals.