INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18. It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in the year 2000, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world.

It is seen firstly as an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by millions of migrants to the economies of their host and home countries, and secondly, to promote respect for their basic human rights. It is observed in many countries through the dissemination of information on human rights and fundamental political freedom of migrants, and through sharing of experiences and designing actions to ensure their protection.

In India, there are 309 million people constantly on the move in search of sources of work. Despite making up 30% of the total population in the country, migrant workers are excluded from economic, cultural, social and political life, and are often treated as second-class citizens.

The limitations faced by migrant workers are many: lack of political representation, inadequate housing, low wages, unsafe or dangerous work, limited access to health services and education, and discrimination. Deprived of legal identification and residence, they cannot claim social protection rights and are excluded from government programs.

Children are the most vulnerable and unrecognized group among migrant populations. Children migrate independently or go along with their families. They often cannot exercise their basic rights, do not attend school, suffer health and safety risks, and are deprived of the critical inputs necessary for their physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing, all of which has a devastating impact on their overall development.

These children’s right to education (within the framework of the Right to Education Act) is constantly threatened because their frequent displacements hinder continuity in their education. In addition, migrant children are forced to join the labor force at a very early age. The wages they can earn are minimal or nonexistent, since in spite of working long hours, they do so as unregistered and invisible employees.

In Pune, the city where Asha-Kiran unfolds its work, there are many construction sites that attract migrant workers. Once hired, they raise their shacks within the construction sites, but since both parents work, children are not looked after during the work day.

In order to provide the care they need and counteract, at the same time, the many obstacles they face in their development, Asha-Kiran establishes links with construction companies. The companies provide the physical space where children can be safe during the day, and Asha-Kiran provides the teachers, non-formal education, medical and dental care, nourishment and age-appropriate activities. Thus, our Day Centers for Migrant Children project addresses some of their limitations and works to provide better present and future living conditions for them.

Sources: wikipedia.org
              unicef.org

SACHAHARI SUPPORT GROUP

Through our work with the community, we formed a support group called Sahachari. It is made up of fifteen women who are married to men suffering from addictions to substances such as alcohol or drugs.  

When a home is burdened by someone's addiction, it becomes especially embarrassing for the woman in the house. She tends to hide her feelings, but all these emotions build up, like steam in a pressure cooker waiting to be released. So when these women come together, they talk openly and their shyness disappears.

They realize that they are all in the 'same boat'. They don't feel lonely anymore. Nobody talks about addictions. Instead, they talk about maintaining their own well-being! Given the current situation of the slum, women cannot cure or control addictions, but addictions affect family life, they cause stress, and women cannot concentrate on their work. The Sahachari group has been created to motivate women to think rationally and positively.

The Sahachari group (also for the mothers of addicts) believes that once they accept their predicament, they can prepare themselves to help the addict in his recovery. They also believe that while helping the addict, they should also look at their own irrational behaviour and make efforts to change themselves.

The group meets twice a month and the meetings include sharing, discussions, guidance from a guest speaker and individual counselling. Very importantly, we all maintain the principle of confidentiality, so the group feels that this is the platform where “we can freely share our problems, our lives”.

ON THE BACK BURNER: THE LAW AGAINST CHILD LABOR

In August 2012, the government of India proposed an extension to the prohibition of child labor for minors under 14, in an effort to redirect more young towards conventional education, and thus address an issue that has tarnished the country’s image as an emerging economic powerhouse. The proposed amendment to the existing laws would impose a three-year jail term and a fine of €690 to anyone who employs children under 14, or use children under 18 in hazardous industries.

If approved by Parliament, the amendment would be the end, at least in theory, of many years of official tolerance to the use of minors in the workforce. Child rights activists, as well as the International Labor Organization, welcomed the initiative as a milestone in the debate on child labor, but admitted that its implementation would be a huge challenge. A 2009 survey by the Ministry of Statistics put the number of child laborers at 5 million.

The latest initiative against child labor includes provisions for the law not to affect the poorest families, ensuring the right to free education and offering scholarships to offset economic losses to families. In addition, under the new law, police would no longer need a court order to act.

However, the Parliament of India is about to end the year without passing the most ambitious child labor law in its history. Despite having the backing of most MPs, the amendment has been put in the back burner since is not regarded as a “priority”.

Some say the problem is not the laws, but their lack of enforcement. This view is supported by the fact that under current weak legislation, only 10% of 450,000 complaints were processed in the past three years. Although most Indian MPs claim to support the law, they do not feel the urgency to vote on it. But with each passing day, more children are doomed to become little semi-slaves instead of enjoying a childhood that will support their development through play and enjoyment. 

Sources: washingtonpost.com

             avaaz.org