WASHINGTON — UNICEF USA has recognized U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff for his work on behalf of children in Georgia and around the world, presenting him this week with a 2025 “Champion for Children” Award.
UNICEF cited Ossoff’s efforts to protect children in conflict zones, including his amendment offered this summer aimed at preventing cuts to food aid for starving children in war-torn regions. Senate Republicans blocked the measure, which would have safeguarded funding for UNICEF’s global nutrition and clean-water programs.
“Nothing matters more than the safety of children,” Ossoff said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve worked in the Senate to protect kids online, investigate child abuse, fight child traffickers, and strengthen pediatric health care. I’m grateful for the extraordinary work of UNICEF USA standing up for kids in America and around the world.”
Since taking office, Ossoff has championed several bipartisan bills and secured federal funding targeting child safety, health care and trafficking prevention.
Last month, the Senate passed his bipartisan Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025, which aims to improve coordination between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to combat child trafficking.
Earlier this year, Ossoff and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the Supporting Victims of Human Trafficking Act to streamline federal support for organizations serving trafficking survivors.
In 2023, Ossoff and Blackburn’s bipartisan REPORT Act became law, requiring social media platforms and websites to report federal crimes involving child trafficking and enticement to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Ossoff has also secured federal investments to expand mental and pediatric health care in Georgia. Through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, he delivered more than $1.7 million to help hire and train mental-health counselors in Georgia schools. He also secured more than $1.2 million for Egleston Children’s Hospital at Emory University to support training and retention of pediatric physicians.
Additionally, Ossoff and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, saw their bipartisan Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 signed into law last year, strengthening federal protections against child sexual abuse, including online exploitation.
UNICEF USA said Ossoff’s work reflects its mission to improve the lives of children worldwide through safety, health care and access to essential services.
