The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint by NGO watchdog Legal Rights Protection Forum alleging serious human rights violations involving Hyderabad-based Agape Orphanage and its US-based parent organisation, Agape International Inc., and has directed the Telangana Government, Telangana Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
The Commission, acting under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, observed that the allegations made in the complaint prima facie appeared to disclose violations of the human rights of the victims.
According to the complaint, Agape International Inc. and its associated Agape Orphanage in Hyderabad allegedly publicly disclosed the identities, photographs, HIV status and personal stories of HIV-affected orphan children on websites and fundraising platforms, thereby violating the children’s privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
The complaint also alleged serious child protection concerns, including previous reports that children at the orphanage had been forced to clean septic drains, regulatory lapses in granting permissions despite earlier controversies involving the institution, and the continued involvement of Agape International Executive Director Lynne Marie Voggu in child welfare activities despite reported criminal proceedings against her.
The complainant sought an independent inquiry into the allegations, registration of an FIR, removal of the children’s personal information from online platforms, investigation into possible violations of child rights and HIV confidentiality laws, and appropriate action against the individuals and authorities found responsible.
Taking note of these allegations, the NHRC directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana, to inquire into the complaint and initiate the process for registration of an FIR, if warranted.
The Commission also directed the Joint Secretary of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Wing in the Ministry of Home Affairs to examine whether any provisions of the FCRA had been violated by the organisation.
Further, the NHRC instructed all the concerned authorities to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks for the Commission’s consideration and also directed that a copy of the report be forwarded to the designated email address of the Commission’s Bench.
The matter will now proceed based on the reports submitted by the Telangana Government, Telangana Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the allegations raised in the complaint.
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