UNICEF's response to announcement of Nobel Peace Prize for Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satvarthi:
TORONTO, Oct. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - UNICEF congratulates Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi, two powerful child rights advocates, on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award demonstrates the unshakeable conviction that children are a force for change.
"This is a victory for children's rights and, on the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it shows how much we've done and how far we need to go. More boys and girls are in school than ever before and the situation for children who have to work is improving," says David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. "These gains are fragile and this prize inspires us all to continue to work to improve the lives of the world's poorest children."
This well-deserved honour for two courageous champions for child rights comes in the year the international community celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This award will be an inspiration to all the millions of unnamed and unknown children around the world who battle silently every day for the right to an education, the right to be heard and protected. The bravery and determination of Malala and Kailash is a rallying cry for children everywhere.
"Education can unlock a better future and end child labour. Educated girls and women are less likely to have been pushed into child marriage or push their own children into it. They are less likely to die in childbirth, and more likely to raise healthy children. Education is especially transformative for children who are poor and females who live in remote areas. Improving children's lives and transforming the future is the message that transcends from Malala and Kailash," says Karin Hulshof, Regional Director for UNICEF in South Asia.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is a past winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.
SOURCE: UNICEF Canada
Tiffany Baggetta, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8892, 647-308-4806 (mobile), [email protected]
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