New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS): US envoy Richard Verma on Friday visited Mukti Ashram, a transit rehabilitation centre run by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), and met 52 rescued child labourers.

Verma congratulated the BBA staff for their service and the important contributions they were making for the welfare of vulnerable children.

The ambassador noted that "some of my most rewarding moments here in India have been seeing how social innovators are working to improve lives in their communities".

"Kailash Satyarthi is known throughout the world for the impact he has had on stopping human trafficking, protecting vulnerable populations and creating global awareness.

"It was an honour and privilege to meet with him, as well as the amazingly brave and resilient children who have been given a second chance," said Verma, according to a US embassy press statement.

The envoy's visit underscored the active engagement of the US government in working with partners around the world to end the scourge of human trafficking and modern slavery, said the statement.

Verma thanked Satyarthi for his path-breaking work, and said he looks forward to continued collaboration with the BBA.