A detailed complaint has been submitted to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking an urgent inquiry into alleged violations of child rights, privacy protections, and HIV confidentiality norms involving Hyderabad-based missionary organisation Agape orphanage and its affiliated US-based donor organisation, Agape International Inc. by NGO watchdog, Legal Rights Protection Forum.
The complaint alleges that Agape International Inc., a charity registered in the United States under the name “Agape AIDS Orphan Care,” has publicly displayed photographs, identities, and personal stories of HIV-affected orphan children from India on its website, fundraising platforms, and social media channels. According to the petition, the disclosures expose vulnerable children to stigma and discrimination and violate their rights to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
The complaint identifies Agape International Inc., headquartered in Medfield, Massachusetts, as the foreign donor organisation and Hyderabad-based Agape Society as the Indian recipient entity. It alleges that Ms. Lynne Marie Voggu, an American citizen holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, serves as Executive Director of the US charity while simultaneously functioning as an executive member of the Hyderabad-based organisation.
The petition further draws attention to controversies surrounding the orphanage dating back to 2017. It cites media reports alleging that HIV-affected orphan children residing at the institution were forced to clean underground septic drainage systems, triggering public outrage and concerns regarding child welfare and exploitation. The complaint also references reports stating that the institution was operating without mandatory registration under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act at the time of the incident.
According to the complaint, concerns regarding the institution’s functioning are compounded by criminal proceedings reportedly involving Lynne Marie Voggu. The petition states that she is an accused in Sessions Case No. 337 of 2023 pending before a Fast Track Special Court dealing with rape and POCSO cases in Malkajgiri district. It further claims that a criminal petition seeking a stay of proceedings was subsequently filed before the Telangana High Court. The complaint argues that the reported existence of such proceedings raises serious questions regarding child safety, safeguarding mechanisms, and institutional oversight in organisations dealing with vulnerable children.
The petition also alleges that Agape’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration was cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs following regulatory violations. It questions how the institution subsequently obtained recognition and permissions under the Juvenile Justice Act framework despite past controversies and concerns linked to individuals associated with its management.
The complainant has urged the NHRC to initiate an independent inquiry into the functioning of both Agape orphanage and Agape International Inc., examine the role of Telangana government departments responsible for granting permissions and licences to the institution, and investigate possible violations of child protection laws, HIV confidentiality safeguards, and privacy rights.
Among the specific demands made in the complaint are the immediate removal of photographs, identities, HIV-related details, and personal narratives of orphan children from websites and fundraising platforms; a child safety audit of the institution; investigation into the alleged misuse of foreign contributions; and examination of the continued involvement of Lynne Marie Voggu in child welfare activities.
The petition further seeks recommendations for action by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding Voggu’s OCI status and requests that authorities examine whether further legal action is warranted following an independent inquiry.
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