Renowned child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, who leads the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai have been jointly awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for "their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education".
The 17-year-old Pakistani girl of Pashtun origin who was shot by the Taliban for advocating women rights and education in Pakistan has stunned her critics and attackers with her strong stance on education for women. Malala survived the attempted homicide and was transferred to the UK with her family, where she was able to get treatment and go to school, and has since become a worldwide symbol for the fight against oppression of women and the right to education.
Here's a release by Amnesty international applauding Malala:
Following the announcement that Pakistani schoolgirl and education rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Indian children’s rights activist Kailash Satyarthi have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International said:
“The work of Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai represents the struggle of millions of children around the world. This is an award for human rights defenders who are willing to dedicate themselves entirely to promoting education and the rights of the world's most vulnerable children.
“The Nobel Prize Committee has recognised the fundamental importance of child rights for the future of our world. The choice of winners shows that this is an issue that matters to us all, no matter what our age, gender, country or religion.
“Malala sets a powerful example that has inspired people all over the world, and which has been deservedly recognised by the Nobel Committee. The courage she has shown in the face of such adversity is a true inspiration. Her actions are a symbol of what it means to stand up for your rights - with a simple demand to fulfil the basic human right to education.
“Kailash Satyarthi has dedicated his life to helping the millions of children in India who are forced into slavery and work in torrid conditions. His award is an acknowledgement of the tireless, decades-long campaigning by civil society activists on child trafficking and child labour in India.”
Malala Yousafzai was awarded Amnesty International’s high honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, in 2013
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