Nila Ibrahimi, 17-Year-Old Afghan Girl, Wins International Children's Peace Prize

The award was presented to Nila Ibrahimi on Tuesday (November 19), coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the "Kids Rights" foundation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The Kids Rights Foundation stated that Nila won this award after competing against 165 individuals from 47 countries worldwide.

After receiving the award, Nila Ibrahimi said, "Winning this award means that the voices of Afghan women and girls will be heard across the world. We must all empower and give hope to them during the darkest times."

Mark Dolard, founder and president of the Kids Rights Foundation, stated, "Women and girls across Afghanistan are currently facing unbearable oppression. The ban on education beyond elementary school has resulted in an astonishing deprivation of 2.5 million girls in Afghanistan from schooling. Nila’s inspiring work in giving a voice that resonates globally makes her a truly deserving winner of this year's 20th International Children's Peace Prize."

The Kids Rights Foundation added that Nila Ibrahimi has been recognized for leading a musical protest movement in Afghanistan and inspiring other girls in the country to demand their rights and fight against injustice through public speeches and international activities.

The foundation’s statement reads, "This brave young pioneer’s efforts to defend the rights of Afghan girls have made her a true source of inspiration and have delivered a message of hope to other young people around the world."

It is noteworthy that the International Children's Peace Prize is awarded annually by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and this year, Tawakkol Abdul Salam Khaled Karman presented the award to Nila Ibrahimi.