India: protecting the rights of children and the most vulnerable populations
Since 1991, FXB has been working to promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of India's most vulnerable communities. Its sister entity, FXB India Suraksha, is a FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registered local non-governmental organization.
Context
Although India is one of the world's top 5 economies, half its population is poor, and nearly a third lives in extreme poverty, according to the UNDP.
Human trafficking and child abuse, including forced labor and early marriage, are among the most serious human rights violations in India. Despite legislative reforms, women are extremely vulnerable, victims of discrimination, sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence and honor killings.
Our action in India
1. reduce the vulnerability of indigenous tribal children to human trafficking and sexual abuse in Jharkhand
(Project operated by FXB Switzerland)
With its consortium partners, FXB carried out a two-year action-research project in the Santhal Pargana region to identify the factors that expose children to abuse and exploitation.
The results highlighted multiple vulnerabilities, such as sexual abuse, alcoholism, fear of molestation and forced marriages of very young girls. Frequent migration is often linked to human trafficking. Services for vulnerable populations were inadequate due to a lack of awareness, training, resources and infrastructure. Primary research data also highlighted the prevalence of sexual abuse of children, particularly girls aged 13 to 18.
An action plan has been drawn up with the community to strengthen child protection, leading to a second phase of the project, implemented from 2022 and lasting four years. It aims to reduce the vulnerability of children from indigenous tribes in the Pakur, Godda and Dumka districts to human trafficking and sexual abuse.
The project's objectives include strengthening local institutions, improving the prevention of child exploitation, building the capacity of service providers, assisting victims and raising the awareness of political decision-makers.
2. discover FXB India Suraksha's projects
Our impact in India
In 2021, FXB India Suraksha won second place in the "BRICS India Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals Awards".
have benefited from FXB's actions since 1991, notably through HIV awareness and prevention campaigns in all the states and territories of the Indian Union.
have been implemented in the states of Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry, lifting over 7,000 adults and children out of poverty.
Life's journey
Mina's rescue
Mina is 13 years old and lives in an indigenous tribe. Like many girls in her community, she faced the prospect of forced marriage, a common practice exacerbated by poverty and a lack of awareness of children's rights.
Social workers from the FXB-led project, during their community interventions, learned that Mina's parents were planning to marry her off very soon. They immediately began a dialogue with the family, explaining the harmful consequences of early marriage on the health and education of young girls. Thanks to awareness-raising sessions and lengthy, in-depth discussions, Mina's parents understood the importance of education and cancelled the planned marriage.
However, returning to school was not easy for Mina. She faced stigmatization and ridicule from some members of the community. FXB then worked with community leaders to promote the importance of girls' education and combat discrimination. Awareness campaigns were carried out to change mentalities and encourage support for girls' education.
Today, Mina is back at school with her head held high. She has become an example to other girls in her community, demonstrating that, with the right support and awareness, it is possible to overcome harmful traditions and build a better future.