WASHINGTON, Oct 11: Welcoming the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi, the US lawmakers have said the two South Asians represent the best of humanity and are symbols of hope and perseverance.
“Malala and Satyarthi are two very deserving Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. In a world beset by chaos and unease, these two individuals represent the best of humanity and are symbols of hope and perseverance, of overcoming obstacles and seemingly insurmountable challenges,” Senator Robert Menendez said.
“Malala’s courage and leadership in standing up for women and girls, not only in Pakistan but around the world, serves as a clarion call for all those who support the principles of fairness, equality, and the right to an education without fear of repression or violence,” he said.
She has inspired millions to fight for the rights of girls to be educated and we in the Senate have honored Malala in her pursuit for justice, he added.
“Kailash Satyarthi has spent a lifetime protecting the unprotected and giving a voice to countless children who face exploitation through forced labor. His courage is known in India and felt throughout the world,” Menendez said.
“This recognition for their work is one the community of nations celebrates, and we must continue to honor these heroines and heroes who make our world a more just place.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, congratulated them for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
“This recognition of their lives’ work is both historic and inspiring. They serve as examples to the world community, and both India and Pakistan can be proud to be represented so well on the world’s stage,” she said.
Children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch, Zama Coursen-Neff, said: “The Nobel Committee’s recognition of Malala and Satyarthi spotlights the importance of protecting children – whether in or out of school.”
Human Rights Watch said the recognition of Satyarthi will draw attention to gaps in enforcing India’s ambitious Right to Education law, which provides free and compulsory education to all children up to age 14.
“As the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai has become a symbol of the challenges students face amid internal conflict and war,” said Bede Sheppard, deputy children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.
“The Nobel Committee’s recognition of Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi should increase our commitment to ensuring that all children can attend school safely, no matter where they live,” he said.
In a statement, Julia Gillard, Board Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, said, “We are proud and honored that both of these inspirational advocates are strong supporters of the Global Partnership for Education.”
“We congratulate Kailash Satyarthi, a former board member of the Global Partnership, who has devoted his life to end child labor and for better education for the children of South Asia,” Gillard said. (PTI)
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