Bhuwan Ribhu Becomes First Indian Lawyer to Receive World Law Congress Honour

In a historic recognition of India’s fight for child justice, renowned lawyer and child rights activist Bhuwan Ribhu has become the first Indian lawyer to receive the Medal of Honour from the World Jurist Association. Awarded during the World Law Congress 2025 held in the Dominican Republic, the accolade acknowledges Ribhu’s two-decade-long commitment to eradicating child exploitation through legal reforms, court interventions, and advocacy. His leadership has transformed child protection from a welfare issue into a matter of criminal justice.

Why in News?

Bhuwan Ribhu was awarded the World Jurist Association’s Medal of Honour on May 5, 2025, marking the first time an Indian lawyer has been bestowed with this global recognition. The award celebrates his lifelong legal work addressing child labour, trafficking, child marriage, and sexual abuse, and recognises his pivotal role in reforming India’s child protection laws.

Background and Career Highlights

• Bhuwan Ribhu is a lawyer and human rights advocate who has worked for over 20 years to protect children from systemic exploitation.
• He founded Just Rights for Children (JRC)—a global legal intervention network with 250+ partner organisations in India, Nepal, Kenya, and the USA.
• Ribhu has led over 60 Public Interest Litigations (PILs) on child rights in Indian courts.

Major Legal Achievements

• Instrumental in the Supreme Court’s adoption of the UN Protocol definition of trafficking.
• Ensured trafficking was classified as a criminal offence under Indian law.
• Championed mandatory FIRs for missing children.
• Successfully pushed for a ban on child labour in hazardous occupations.

Impact of His Work

• Saved hundreds of thousands of children and women from exploitation.
• Influenced long-term policy and legal reforms.
• Inspired international cooperation in child justice.

Award and International Recognition

• The World Jurist Association Medal of Honour is one of the highest recognitions for legal professionals globally.
• Presented by Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association.
• The award highlights India’s growing global role in child protection and legal reform.