International Children Peace Prize Awarded to Syrian Girl

A 16-year-old Syrian girl received the International Children Peace Prize for her work for children affected by war. She first became known at age seven when she tweeted from the besieged city of Aleppo.

The KidsRights Foundation said that Bana Al-Abed moved to Turkey with her family in 2016. The award honored her efforts to reunite families, reopen schools, and give real hope to children in conflict areas like Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria.

After receiving the prize, Bana spoke in a strong and fearless voice. She asked former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sudanese leaders, and war leaders around the world one question. She asked how many children have lost their lives and dreams because of war.

She said many children died under systems that kill their own citizens. Many suffered because of leaders who use war for political goals. Many were destroyed by powers that justify aggression in the name of “security.” Many lost everything because some groups choose violence as a policy.

She gave this speech at the Stockholm City Hall during International Children Peace Prize ceremony.