22/08/2013

Minister Congratulates Malala Yousafzai

Minister Costello has congratulated Malala Yousafzai after she received the Tipperary International Peace Award.

The Minister for Trade and Development addressed the Tipperary International Peace Award ceremony last night (21 August) at which Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Tipperary International Peace Award for 2012.

Speaking after his address the Minister said: "I want to congratulate Malala on receiving this award. I applaud her singular bravery and I am delighted her efforts to champion human rights in the face of intimidation and adversity have been honoured this evening."

Malala Yousafzai, is a 16-year-old Pakistani education activist, who was attacked by Taliban gunmen last October after she campaigned for girls to be allowed go to school without fear. In selecting her for the award, the Tipperary Peace Convention have recognised Malala's courage, determination and perseverance, along with the impact she has had on so many people across the world. Ms Yousafzai joins Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev and former President Mary McAleese and Dr. Martin McAleese as recipients of the award.

In his speech, Minister Costello highlighted the teenager's efforts to promote access to education for all:"I admire Malala's courageous efforts to promote the fundamental right to education for every child and her efforts to achieve access to education for women and girls in Pakistan and other regions worldwide. As a former teacher I know the importance of education from an early age, for girls and boys alike, and I share Malala's passion for promoting this."

(JP/CD)

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