The prize was awarded by Dutch organization KidsRights says it wants children to be recognized for their efforts to improve their own situation. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also won the award alongside Ms Maloum.
This year’s award ceremony marked the 15th anniversary after their creation and the young Cameroonian grabbed her award for her work in this edition.
A video by KidsRights shows Ms. Maloum warning young Cameroonians not to get involved in violence. It is understood that the terrorist groups often recruit children, particularly girls, to carry out attacks. She is also seen displaying a cartoon, with the title “I’m not a hero when I carry bombs“, which shows a young girl refusing to wear a suicide vest.
Maloum has “organized an inter-community children’s peace camp, established peace clubs in mosques and together with other children has made a children’s declaration against violent extremism”, KidsRights says.
The award was handed to her in Hague on November 20, 2019. After accepting her award which she also dedicated to children suffering from violent atrocities, she added that “to end violence and build peace we need children”.
After her a breath taking speech, the teenager ended it by encouraging other kids to not give up on their rights.
I invite my fellow children around the world to stand up for their rights.” the teenager said.
She also added that her next challenge is to see peace regain to the violent stricken Anglophone regions of the country.
