Kailash Satyarthi hails SC direction on drug abuse among children

Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi on Wednesday hailed the Supreme Court's directions to the Central government on drug abuse among children, calling it a "landmark judgment".

"Trafficking and drug abuse, inherently linked to each other, are the most prevalent forms of organised crime in the world that violate the fundamental rights of our children. I welcome this landmark judgment by the Honourable Court, and believe that it will go a long way in building a safer environment for our children," said Satyarthi in a release.

Satyarthi is founder of NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), which had filed the petition in the apex court stating that the fundamental rights of children across the country were being violated due to inaction and non-compliance of the government's action plan for reduction in drug demand and supply.

He added that it was "also a timely judgment, especially in the midst of the government's crackdown on black money".

"Society, school and parents must come together to tackle violation of child rights especially child sexual abuse in areas of community within their reach. It is a collective responsibility and action must be taken against drug mafia and for their rehabilitation. India cannot afford to lose a generation. If we are proud to be the youngest nation in the world, let us protect our young ones with top most priority."

Meanwhile, senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, who appeared in this case on behalf of BBA, said: "This crucial judgment will ensure that children are provided with a better, more healthy childhood."

--IANS

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