For Immediate Release
October 24, 2012
Liberal Leader Bob Rae Nominates Malala Yousafzai for the Nobel Peace Prize
OTTAWA– Malala Yousafzai should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous work in support of women’s rights, said Liberal Leader Bob Rae today.
“Malala ought to be formally recognized for her exceptional work standing up for the most fundamental of human rights –women’s equality – for herself, her sisters and girls around the world,” said Mr. Rae. “She has become an integral figure in the movement to stem the tide of extremism and to promote peace and equal opportunity, beginning with the most basic rights such as education.”
At just 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai is a vocal advocate for girls’ education in a dangerous and often unforgiving environment. Despite facing a steady barrage of death threats from religious extremists, Malala has been chronicling the impact of the Taliban’s ban of girls’ education on her and her classmates. In a tragic turn, on October 11, 2012, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban on her way home from school. She is currently recovering and in stable condition in the United Kingdom.
“Malala’s inspirational work has, and will continue to have, an impact not only throughout Pakistan but wherever the equal rights of women are denied or threatened,” said Mr. Rae. “For this reason, and with the greatest respect for this young advocate, I am proud to nominate her for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.”
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Background:
A copy of Mr. Rae’s letter to the Nobel Selection Committee nominating Malala Yousafzai for the Nobel Peace Prize can be viewed here.
Contact:
Press Office
Office of the Liberal Leader
613-947-5100
