Congratulations to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi on winning the Nobel Peace prize
Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui
“I would like to congratulate Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi on winning the Nobel Peace prize. They stand for the right of all children to receive an education and grow up protected from exploitation.
Malala’s strength, courage and determination are an inspiration and give hope to all those who are struggling to get an education in spite of the risks and adverse circumstances. She demonstrates that boys and girls who go to school learn much more than language and science – they learn values such as equality and respect. They also learn how to live together.
Malala’s story is also another reminder that attacks on schools and schoolchildren have been on the rise in conflicts around the world. It is a violation of international humanitarian law. Now’s the time for the world to act to protect the right to education for all children, even in times of war.
For decades, Kailash Satyarthi has been fighting to protect children from exploitative labour and for the right to education for all.
Congratulations to both of you.”
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For additional information, please contact:
Stephanie Tremblay
Communications officer, Office of the Special Representative
for Children and Armed Conflict
+1 917 288 5791
tremblay@un.org
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