The Child10 Award 2020

Tens of thousands of children forced to flee towards Europe during the last few years have either been exposed to or are at great risk of being exposed to child trafficking and exploitation. Closed borders, lack of cross-national coordination and the dire and inhumane living conditions in refugee camps and child-care centers put children at particularly high risk of becoming victims of trafficking, forced labor, human smuggling, criminal activity, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Today, thousands of children are in danger of disappearing and becoming untraceable in transit and destination countries towards Europe. As countries tighten their borders, children are forced to find other, often more dangerous routes towards Europe, increasing the risk of exploitation from smugglers and traffickers.

Every year, Child10 gathers and awards ten exceptionally bold individuals from around the world for their everyday struggle for the most vulnerable children in our communities. The aim is to recognize their brave and relentless struggle to protect and prevent child abuse, exploitation, and violations, and to share their stories. Today, on the European Union’s Anti-Trafficking Day, Child10 is announcing the 2020 Child10 Awardees under the theme ‘Children in the hands of Europe’ for their strong commitment to combat child trafficking.

The 2020 Awardees are ten exceptional child rights advocates. Despite hostile environments, threats and a growing racist discourse these extraordinary leaders should function as role-models for all of us. Their strong commitment to prevent children from exploitation and trafficking and to always protect the most vulnerable in our societies transcends beyond their organizations and to all of us. We are very proud to welcome the 2020 awardees to Sweden in January, says Jacob Flärdh, Secretary General Child10.

The Awardees will be participating in an award ceremony and high-level summit in Malmö, Sweden, in January 2020. The summit will be the starting point for the joint work that the Child10 group will undertake in order to raise awareness and combat the risk of child trafficking and sexual exploitation and abuse on migrant routes to Europe.

The ten Awardees will each be awarded with a grant of 10,000 USD as well as a support program to strengthen, develop and create sustainability in their organization. The Awardees will furthermore join forces throughout 2020 in their advocacy and outreach work to draw attention to and prevent trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.