About us
ARC helps Indian adoptees reconnect with their roots and heritage
Established with gobal recognition
Against Child Trafficking (ACT) is a globally recognised non profit organisation that works to prevent child trafficking for intercountry adoption. ACT social policies in alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and conducts extensive research on child rights issues. We function as a Documentation & Research Center, collating invaluable data that serves various child rights and human rights NGOs, as well as individual child rights advocates and legal professionals dealing with child trafficking issues.
Against injustice & child trafficking
ACT works to prevent child trafficking in intercountry adoption and to align international policies with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We fight governments to protect children’s rights and provide advocacy and litigation resources. We operate as a Documentation & Research Center, collecting vital data for child rights and human rights NGOs, as well as for individual advocates and legal professionals dealing with trafficking issues.
Our vison & why we do it
No need to disrupt your life
Why do we do this? It's because we don't want anyone to have to give up their professions, travel to India multiple times, endure lengthy court battles or face personal loss. Our goal is to help fellow adoptees navigate Indian bureaucracy and collectively challenge the laws that shroud our identities in secrecy.
An assertion of the law
Many Indian adoptions violated both Indian and Western laws, and evidence was often not disclosed. Consequently, we assert our right to search for our parents and ask for cooperation from adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and government authorities.
A quest for justice
Our motivation is rooted in a strong sense of justice, a passion for combating trafficking and advocating for adoptee rights. We firmly believe that authorities must acknowledge past wrongs and aid us in reconstructing our identities. It's crucial to recognize that stealing children and providing false court information are serious crimes, even within the context of intercountry adoption.
Reclaiming your citizenship
Furthermore, we firmly believe that every Indian adoptee should be eligible for a free OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, acknowledging their unique position in the Indian Diaspora. Our ultimate goal is for our advocacy to no longer be needed, a goal achievable when the Indian Government recognizes our rights and provides necessary support.
Arun Dohle Founder & Director
Meet the foundersGerman adoption
In 1973, a German couple adopted Arun, when he was just two months old, from the Kusumbai Motichand Mahila Seva Gram Orphanage (KMMSG) in Pune, India. His mother had reportedly given Arun up because she was unmarried at the time of his bir
1973
In search of roots
By his mid twenties Arun was a financial consultant and had begun to search for his roots. All his requests to obtain adoption documents or records pertaining to his biological mother were obstructed by the orphanage.
Mid twentiesFinding his birth mother
Over the next 17 years Arun took the fight all the way to the Supreme Court of India which allowed him to access the records in a landmark judgement in 2010. Three months later, he met his mother for the first time.
Next 17 yearsWorking the corridors of power
Arun has lived in Pune and has since dedicated his life to supporting adoptees to unite with their family roots and campaign against intercountry adoption, illegal adoptions and child trafficking.
Since 2016ARC continues
With the support of Arun many more remarkable stories of Indian adoptees finding justice continue to be created.
2023...
Anjali Pawar Advocate & Director
Commitment
Anjali Tara Babanrao Pawar is driven by an unwavering commitment to combat injustice wherever it is found. From a young age, she refused to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, making this a defining aspect of her identity. Known both in India and abroad, Anjali’s name has become synonymous with a resolute spirit and impactful work.
In 2003 Anjali founded the NGO “Sakhee”, that works to support educational opportunities for protect rights of underprivileged women and children, and has been part of multiple government committees relating to protection of children in the state of Maharashtra.
Awareness
This work led to the exposure of several adoption scams including a notorious case against the Chairperson of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), who in 2010, faced charges from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As a consequence, Anjali received death threats, yet her resolve remained unwavering.
Anjali also actively coordinates informational sessions with the primary goal of fostering awareness about issues that significantly impact children. These sessions are designed to educate and enlighten adolescent students, focusing particularly on guiding them in understanding appropriate behavior and conduct within society.
Justice
These include the Committee for drafting and finalizing the Draft Child Development Policy, 2013, and the Core Committee for drafting the Maharashtra State Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2017. In 2012, Anjali recognized the need for legal expertise in specific cases, prompting her to pursue a law degree. Her tireless efforts peaked in a significant case where she aided Arun Dohle in reuniting with his birth mother, achieving victory in the Supreme Court.
This success propelled Anjali into international advocacy. Collaborating with Arun, they established the Adoptee Rights Council (ARC) to help children who have been subject to in-country and intercountry adoption connect with their roots.
USA Sistership Award
Anjali emphasizes the integration of their rights and responsibilities, contributing to a greater understanding of their roles as responsible individuals within the community and has successfully reached out to over 10,000 children. In 2019 Anjali received Gravittus Rarn Award, in 2014 Anjali was awarded the USA Sistership Award by the Women International Centre, the Social Gratitude Award by the Social Gratitude Forum in 2013, and in 2003 Anjali received the Yashwantrao Foundation’s Youth Award.