Born: 11 January 1954, Vidisha, India
Residence at the time of the award: India
Prize motivation: "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education"
Prize share: 1/2
Much of the world's population, especially in poor countries, is made up of children and young people. To achieve a peaceful world, it is crucial that the rights of children and young people be respected. Following the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi has waged a peaceful struggle to stop children being exploited as labor instead of attending school. He has also contributed to the development of international conventions on the rights of children.