The Norwegian Parliamentary Committee has nominated Concerned for Working Children (CWC), a City-based NGO, for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The organisation has played a significant role in fighting for children’s right to participation.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Director Development of CWC Nandana Reddy said the team was “still in disbelief”.
“The members of the organisation received the news a week ago. We are all humbled by the recognition. Our organisation believes that right to participation forms the basis of all other rights,” she said.
The CWC is known for its work in building and strengthening a strong network of children’s panchayat called ‘Makkala Panchayat.’
Makkala Panchayat, flagged off at Kundapur in the State, is today recognised by the government and as many as 3,000 out of 5,600 gram sabhas conduct meetings for children.
In 1997, the CWC facilitated the working children to participate in the International ILO Conference organised in Amsterdam, yet another achievement of the organisation.
For the first time, United Nations officials shared a common platform with the working children and discussed various issues affecting them. The children got to share their experiences with other working children from Asian and American countries.
Attributing the success to the children, Nandana Reddy said: “The children have fought several battles both at home and around the world to get their voices heard. Struggles initiated by the children have always been peaceful.”