Harmony Foundation, in collaboration with local law enforcement, orchestrated a crucial rescue operation today to save a 12-year-old girl from the atrocity of child marriage in Kurnool Dist in AP. This intervention highlights the Foundation’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and eradicating child marriage.
This 12-year-old girl whose father passed away a couple of years ago was formerly studying in Kurla East, Mumbai. Following this, her mother remarried, and the family relocated to Andhra Pradesh. Through reliable sources, Harmony Foundation discovered that the girl was being forced into marriage, scheduled for the 16th of this month.
The wedding card confirmed these distressing plans prompting immediate action from Harmony Foundation who contacted the Superintendent of Police, Kurnool Mr.Krishnakant to take immediate action against this wedding.
Furthermore, Harmony Foundation also managed to obtain her Aadhar Card from the school she attended in Kurla East, confirming her birth in May 2012, and showcasing that she turned 12 years old in May 2024. Swift arrangements were made for her rescue and rehabilitation. This case highlights a distressing pattern where everyone is shirking their responsibility for her welfare.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder-Chairman of Harmony Foundation said Child marriage is a grave violation of human rights that robs young girls of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. It reinforces cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and abuse and poses severe health risks due to early pregnancy and childbirth. Despite legal frameworks established in our country to prevent such practices, child marriage remains prevalent in various regions, driven by socio-cultural norms and economic pressures.
Harmony Foundation urges communities to recognize that child marriage is not just a social issue but a grave criminal offence. The legal age of marriage is established to ensure that individuals are mature enough to make informed decisions about their lives. Forcing children into marriage not only robs them of their rights but also subjects them to a life of hardship and unfulfilled potential. Unfortunately, in many cases that we witness it’s the family that carries forth such heinous acts of child marriage to get rid of their responsibilities.
This rescue operation of the minor girl backed by the AP police, exemplifies the critical need for vigilance and active participation in safeguarding children’s rights. It also highlights the importance of awareness and education in combating child marriage, Dr. Mathai pointed out.
Harmony Foundation has always been rescuing minors, and with partner NGOs in collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Police (AHTU), has rescued young children from trafficking. Also, since 2005, Harmony Foundation has silently assisted in the rescue of young women who have been tricked, trapped, and trafficked into the flesh trade.
Harmony Foundation calls on all sectors of society to join in this mission by reporting cases of child marriage, supporting victims, and enhancing an environment where every child can thrive without fear of premature and forced matrimonial commitments. The Harmony Foundation remains resolute in its mission to eliminate child marriage and ensure that every child enjoys a childhood free from exploitation and abuse. We commend the police and all involved parties in this case for their swift action and dedication to justice, Dr Abraham Mathai concluded.
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