March 10, 2025

Cheryl Perera, founder of OneChild and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, sat down with Global News’ Susan Hay to discuss her unwavering fight against the sexual exploitation of children worldwide. Recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy, Cheryl has dedicated her life to empowering youth, influencing policy, and driving real change on a global scale.

For Global News feature as Susan Hay shares Cheryl’s inspiring journey and the impact of her work, Watch here

February 07, 2025

Cheryl Perera’s commitment to protecting children from child sexual exploitation began at just 16 years old when she courageously went undercover  as a 15-year old decoy to expose a child sex perpetrator. Since then, she has dedicated her life to fighting this global crisis, founding OneChild and leading groundbreaking initiatives to protect the most vulnerable.

Watch CTV’s Beth Macdonell explore Perera’s inspiring journey and the impact of her relentless advocacy. Don’t miss this powerful story of courage and change. Watch here

February 03, 2025

This nomination is a shared achievement, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you who has supported our mission. We invite you to read the official press release here: 

While we take a moment to celebrate, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the fight ahead. We ask you to continue standing with us, raising awareness, and supporting this cause in whatever way you can.

With gratitude and hope,

The OneChild Team

February 03, 2025

Dear friends, 

It is with immense humility and gratitude that I share with you today that I have been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. 

When I stumbled on the issue of child sex trafficking while researching for a school project at the age of 16; I never could have anticipated that the outrage I felt and my first few steps would culminate in this incredible moment.

While I am deeply touched by this recognition, I cannot claim this achievement as mine alone. 

This nomination belongs to all of us—to the children and youth who have taken a stand for their rights, to the brave survivors who have inspired, guided me and taught me so much, to the communities and organizations that have stood by me for over 20 years.  It is a reflection of our shared struggle, our collective vision, and our unwavering belief that a world where children can live happy and dignified lives is not just an ideal, but a goal we can achieve together.

Beginning as a child- occupying the least amount of power in society– the road to empowering a movement of children dedicated to ending sexual exploitation, has not been without its share of challenges.  We began without clout, contacts, funding or access to opportunities to have our voice heard; dealt with paternalistic attitudes that we “should be seen, but not heard”, and many more struggles.  Truthfully, I thought about giving up more times than I can remember.  Yet,  I often found myself going back to the promise I made to the child survivors I met in Sri Lanka when I was 17- a promise that I would dedicate my life to fighting for the rights of children. 

Over the years, we have accomplished so much together. 

We have directly impacted over 135, 000 around the world, and millions through the media.  We have been pioneers in the movement to end the sexual exploitation of children through our prevention education work in schools, and partnerships with the private sector. We have inspired, and trained generations of young leaders around the world to take action in our collective fight, and through the transformation in at-risk children and child survivors that we have worked with, we have seen true impact. 

In 2012, I was invited to speak to a gathering of children in Connecticut, US by PeaceJam, an organization that uses the examples of Nobel Peace Prize winners to inspire youth to change the world.  When I arrived, I was honoured to meet one of my fellow speakers, Jody Williams, who received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her trailblazing work to end the use of landmines. 

We chatted for a while, and needless to say, I was awe-struck.  Jody gifted me with her memoir, and  I was completely engrossed in her story, as a  simple girl from Vermont turned Nobel laureate. 

The following year, I found myself at the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, where I tried to contain my happiness (hence the very wide grin!) at seeing a display dedicated to Jody, and a replica of the Nobel Peace Prize on display. As I wandered through the museum; never in my wildest dreams did I think that 13 years later, my work would be considered worthy enough to be in the running for the same Prize. When I reflect on being nominated, I am humbled to think about the elite changemakers such as Malala Yousafzai, Kailash Satyarthi, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  who have been nominated in the past.  To be among them is more than I could have ever hoped for. 

There are a few people who I must thank in particular for their steadfast belief in me, and their unwavering support.

 To our founding members, and dedicated staff,  Board of Directors and volunteers, both past and present; you gave me your time and energy,  believing in my vision of a world where every child is safe, and  have helped me put this into motion.  It is  my privilege to be able to work with you every day, and I am indebted to you.  

To our donors and partners, our work would not be possible without your generosity and trust.  Thank you for your belief in the leadership of children and youth, and for recognizing the value OneChild is bringing to the movement to end the sexual exploitation of children. 

To my nominators,  it is an honour to be recognized by you. You have made this possible.  Thank you so much for standing by me, believing in me, and helping to elevate the work of OneChild. 

Finally, to my family and friends, especially my Ammi, Thaththi, Aunty (in heaven) and sister, thank you for being the greatest support system I could ever ask for, for always keeping me laughing, and for being a shoulder to cry on when I needed it the most.

For me, this nomination is not the end of the journey or even an opportunity to rest,  but a call to continue pushing forward. There is still so much to be done- millions of children all over the world continue to suffer egregiously from the scourge of sexual exploitation, and with rapid advancements in technology,  these numbers continue to rise.  This fight needs everyone to pick up the torch, if we are to have a chance at beating this.  We need you. 

If there is anything this nomination has taught me, is that with compassion, courage, and dogged determination, anyone- even a child- can make a world of a difference. 

With sincere appreciation and a commitment to the cause of peace and social justice, 

Cheryl