Dear friends across India, 
Each year over 40,000 Indian children are forced into back-breaking and soul destroying labour -- from brick kilns to brothels. Just days ago an incredible story emerged of seven children who were rescued from breathing poisonous fumes while working for a goldsmith. Unfortunately, this story is all too common in our country, but we finally have an opportunity to crackdown on child labour in India.
Right now, a new law to prohibit child labour is in front of Parliament that would make it illegal to employ a child under the age of 14. But the proposed text doesnot yet cover key areas like child trafficking and looking after children who have been rescued from their often dangerous labour.We have got a crucial window in the next 24 hours to flood the government consultation with demands to strengthen and then pass a strong law.
Let's raise our voices to speak for those who can't, and ensure that the India of tomorrow is built by children who have spent their days getting educated, not exploited in dangerous work conditions. Send a message right now directly to the government before the consultation closes tomorrow and then share it with others: http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_child_labour_fax_c/?byTYUcb&v=23684
India is home to the largest child labour force in the world with nearly 12.6 million kids engaged in different industries. Tragically, nearly 44,000 children are taken every year and forced into mines, quarries, factories, brothels, restaurants, embroidery units and even domestic service. The newly proposed law would impose tough restrictions and penalties on other practices that contribute to the problem.
Critics say the real problem isnot the law, it is bad enforcement. And while it is true that in the last three years in India less than 10% of the 450,000 reports of child labour were prosecuted, a strong new law can pack some serious punch if it includes key areas like child trafficking and rehabilitation for rescued kids.
Each day that goes past, more and more kids are trapped in jobs with dangerous conditions and missing out on their opportunity to get educated and break the cycle of poverty. Let’s ensure that Parliament sees we are deadly serious about rescuing India has lost generation of kids with a tough new law -- send your message now and share widely:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_child_labour_fax_c/?byTYUcb&v=23684
Thousands of Avaaz members sent in their recommendations to the government committee set up after the Delhi gang rape and in a few months the government was forced to start addressing the rape epidemic. Let us come together again -- this time for India has kids -- so that they can enjoy their rights and freedoms. With hope and determination,
Meredith, Emma, Ricken, Alaphia, Patricia, Wen-Hua, Mais and the rest of the Avaaz team