- First Indian Lawyer honoured by World Jurist Association for pioneering child rights advocacy
Bhopal: In a landmark moment for India’s legal fraternity, Bhuwan Ribhu has become the first Indian lawyer to receive the prestigious ‘Medal of Honour’ from the World Jurist Association (WJA), the world’s oldest and most influential network of legal luminaries. The award, conferred at the World Law Congress in the Dominican Republic, recognizes Bhuwan Ribhu’s unwavering dedication and pioneering legal interventions in advancing child protection and rights over two decades.
Bhuwan Ribhu, a distinguished lawyer and relentless child rights activist, is the driving force behind Just Rights for Children (JRC), the world’s largest legal intervention network dedicated to safeguarding children. Under his leadership, JRC’s 13 NGO partners operate across 41 districts of Madhya Pradesh, tackling critical issues like child marriage, trafficking, labour, and abuse. His strategic litigation, including 60 landmark Public Interest Litigations in India’s highest courts, has catalyzed significant legal reforms.
The WJA’s honour places Bhuwan Ribhu alongside iconic figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, underscoring the global impact of his work. Javier Cremades, President of the WJA, lauded Bhuwan Ribhu’s profound belief in justice and his tireless efforts that have saved countless children and shaped protective legal frameworks.
Buoyed by this historic recognition, Bhuwan Ribhu and the JRC network are further galvanized in their mission to create a safe and just world for children, with a resolute focus on ending child marriage in Madhya Pradesh by 2030. This honour not only celebrates an individual’s extraordinary contribution but also shines a powerful light on the critical role of legal action in upholding the rights and dignity of children globally.
