TAIPEI – On 7 December 2023, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen conferred the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) to Filipina child rights advocate Amihan Abueva.

Abueva is honored for her 30 years of unwavering commitment in fighting child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and all forms of violence against children in Asia.

Abueva currently serves as the regional executive director of Child Rights Coalition Asia, a network of nonprofit organizations spanning 13 countries that promote and uphold children’s protection and participation. The coalition also works to ensure that children are prioritized in public policy and programmatic decisions across the Asian region.

In her acceptance speech, Abueva emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue in a functioning democracy.

“When we work to make space for children to have their questions, concerns, worries, and ideas listened to, we help them experience first hand what democracy is all about. Becoming a good citizen is like a muscle that has to be developed,” Abueva said.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Abueva highlighted the profound understanding exhibited by the children she has worked with, emphasizing their ability to propose and implement innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Abueva said that collaboration fosters understanding among peers, paving the way for more children to become human rights defenders.

“When we work to make space for children to have their questions, concerns, worries, and ideas listened to, we help them experience first hand what democracy is all about. Becoming a good citizen is like a muscle that has to be developed,” Abueva said.

Abueva cautioned against tokenistic engagement with children and urged governments to dialogue and work genuinely with young citizens especially on emerging concerns such as digital rights, mental health, climate change, and reproductive health and rights of children.

President Tsai Ing-wen commended Abueva’s selflessness and courage, acknowledging her tireless efforts to create a safer world for children. Abueva’s illustrious career includes founding the Asia Against Child Trafficking initiative (Asia ACTs), a large anti-child trafficking network in Southeast Asia. She also led the global organization End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes International (ECPAT International), addressing the roots of exploitation, especially in the tourism industry.

Abueva is only the second Filipino to receive the ADHRA since its inception in 2006. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy established the award to inspire human rights defenders in the region and provide them with confidence and strength by recognizing their impactful efforts. The TFD aims to build lasting partnerships with the awardees.

As part of the accolade, Abueva was granted USD 100,000, a sum she pledged to donate to Child Rights Coalition Asia. ###