ABOUT US

Empowerment of Children and Human Rights Organization (ECHO) was founded in 2000 by Dr. Antony Sebastion O. Praem, Advocate. His Master thesis “An Echo Of The Cry From The Streets Of Bangalore: A Study Of The Problems Of Street Children – A Legal Perspective” (Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, sponsored by the Government of The Netherlands). The work gave insights into the problems that street children encountered, legal inadequacies concerning them, non-implementation of legal instruments and possible interventions by voluntary agencies. The study showed that disrespect for rights of juveniles who come in conflict with the law and government apathy, often leads juveniles to face justice systems which treat them impulsively and offer less protection compared to adults. After ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, many countries have tailored their juvenile justice laws to promise children the rights set forth in the Convention and in other international instruments. Legislative reforms can be constructive steps on the path of recognition of the specific rights of children.

ECHO was started to empower Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) and Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP), under the Indian Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act 2000. The implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act forms the framework of our activities. In short, ECHO gave voices to thousands of children from Government Observation Homes, Reception Centers and Children’s Homes. Legal proceedings are initiated to facilitate the transition of children to ECHO’s Transitional Home and Rehabilitation Center. The center also provides informal education, vocational training, job placements and follow-ups to monitor the released children. Through our successful network of NGOs, we lobby at the Central and State Government levels to implement laws concerning Child Rights. Furthermore, we also conduct trainings on the juvenile justice system to police personnel, magistrates and government officials. It is therefore our humble pride and pleasure to say that we continue to empower children in difficult circumstances every day.

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OUR VISION

Empowerment of children in difficult circumstances by ensuring the human rights and dignity.

OUR MISSION

  • To promote and protect the rights of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.
  • Advocacy, reformation, rehabilitation, education and reintegration.
  • Prevention of street and working children from getting into crime and their rehabilitation.
  • Networking with various stakeholders at National and International levels.
  • Research and documentation of juvenile rights and their violations.
  • Lobbying and advocacy for the protection of rights of the juveniles.

ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES

  • Emphasis to children and their empowerment.
  • Commitment to work for the best interest of the children.
  • Respecting and promoting secular values and practices.
  • Promoting gender equality.
  • Participation of all stakeholders in the decision making process.