Audio By Carbonatix
Fifteen-year-old Cameroonian Divina Maloum has won a children's international peace prize for her work with young people who have suffered extremist violence, particularly in the north of her country.
The prize was awarded by Dutch organisation KidsRights, which says it wants children to be recognised for their efforts to improve their own situation. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also won the award alongside Ms Maloum.
In 2014, the Cameroonian teenager founded the Children for Peace movement to work with child victims of terror.
She goes to communities to talk to children about their rights and tell them that they do not have to be drawn into the violence.
Boko Haram - which is based in Nigeria - has been carrying out attacks over the border in Cameroon since 2014.
The group often recruit children - particularly girls - to carry out attacks. A video produced by KidsRights shows Ms Maloum warning young Cameroonians not to get involved.
She can be 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.
Ms Maloum has "organised an inter-community children's peace camp, established peace clubs in mosques, and together with other children, made a children's declaration against violent extremism", KidsRights says.
Accepting the award in The Hague on Wednesday, she said that "to end violence and build peace we need children" and she dedicated her award "to all children who are suffering atrocities due to war".
She wrapped up her speech saying: "I invite my fellow children around the world to stand up for their rights."
Ms Maloum has "organised an inter-community children's peace camp, established peace clubs in mosques, and together with other children, made a children's declaration against violent extremism", KidsRights says.
Accepting the award in The Hague on Wednesday, she said that "to end violence and build peace we need children" and she dedicated her award "to all children who are suffering atrocities due to war".
She wrapped up her speech saying: "I invite my fellow children around the world to stand up for their rights."DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Immigration Service trains officers ahead of nationwide e-visa rollout
40 minutes -
Trade Ministry prepares for US Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission
48 minutes -
We have all seen it – Kwakye Ofosu confirms early race to replace Mahama
59 minutes -
One dead, several injured in head-on crash on Wenchi-Subinso road
1 hour -
FABAG backs GSA fight against ‘unjustified’ port charges
1 hour -
Manasseh Azure Awuni: President Mahama, I feel ashamed
2 hours -
GNFS responds to diesel tanker accident at Asuboi, no casualties recorded
2 hours -
Charles Amissah’s family sues 3 hospitals, doctors and AG, seeks GH¢20m compensation
2 hours -
Ghana signs MOU with ‘Google for Education’ to strengthen digital literacy
2 hours -
Ghana’s economic activity strengthens, but business confidence eases to 12.6% – BoG
2 hours -
Galamsey: Ahafo Security Council disbands illegal mining site, seizes five excavators
2 hours -
GSA and German partners distribute calibrated scales to traders in Techiman
2 hours -
National Peace Council urges calm over rising political tensions
2 hours -
Ghana reaffirms commitment to peaceful cross-border governance and integration
2 hours -
‘I don’t see any faction amongst us’ – Bawumia urges unity in NPP
2 hours