Nobel Peace Prize to Malala and Kailash welcomed

10 October 2014. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has welcomed the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to two frontline human rights defenders who have championed the rights of the child.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced today that it had decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is to be awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzay “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education”

In a statement the High Commissioner, Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, says that both Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi have demonstrated tremendous courage in the face of powerful adversaries. 

"I hope this acknowledgement of the work of two extraordinarily inspirational human rights defenders will serve to reinforce the political will of States and the efforts of institutions and individuals around the world to uphold the rights of children, the most vulnerable and most precious of their resources."

“Showing great personal courage, Kailash Satyarthi, maintaining Gandhi’s tradition, has headed various forms of protests and demonstrations, all peaceful, focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain, “ the Nobel Committee said in a statement.

“Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzay has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations. This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education.”

„Malala, a child herself, has challenged armed groups in her fight for the right to education for girls, as well as boys,“ Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in his statement. „Kailash Satyarthi has been at the forefront of the struggle against child slavery and the exploitation of children for commercial gain.“

Illustration: Ill. N. Elmehed. © Nobel Media 2014