KidsRights’ founder Marc Dullaert: “Every year the International Children’s Peace Prize is a magnificent celebration of children’s rights and the abilities of young changemakers who move the world. This edition will be very special indeed, as 2018 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the KidsRights Foundation. We have therefore decided to honour archbishop Tutu, our patron and a man who has dedicated his life to protecting and empowering children, by taking the ceremony to him.”
The International Children’s Peace Prize has become a global phenomenon. In 2018, children from no fewer than 45 countries were put forward as nominees. Out of the 121 children nominated, most hail from Kenya (12) and Mexico (12), closely followed by India (10). 72 girls, 42 boys and one collective of children were put forward for nomination. This year’s nominees together defend the rights of children on a wide range of issues, including Child Participation, Education, Peace, Gender Equality and the Environment, and various other pressing global challenges.
The International Children’s Peace Prize is held for the fourteenth consecutive year. Every year, the message of the new young winner has tremendous impact and is heard by a global audience. But the other nominees, too, demonstrate to millions worldwide that change is possible. KidsRights offers the nominees an international platform on which they can spread their message and continue their important work. Once again, the annual list of nominees comprises many inspiring and encouraging stories about true changemakers who demonstrate that young age need in no way be a barrier to launching initiatives that improve children’s rights. We invite one and all to visit our website to read about these brave changemakers and ways to support their tireless work: www.kidsrights.org/nominees.