Malala, Sakharov Prize 2013

(BRUSSELS2 to Strasbourg) The European Parliament finally chose Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani as winner of the 2013 Sakharov Prize. The young Palestinian blogger was selected by the Conference of Presidents (*) after having been proposed by several political groups (EPP , S&D, ALDE, ECR) and Jean Lambert (British Green). Seriously injured in a Taliban attack a year ago (October 2012), she now lives as a refugee in the United Kingdom.

The right to education. « Malala bravely fights for all children to have the right to education. With this award, we want to recognize the incredible strength of this young woman.” explained Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament. " This right to education for young girls is too often forgotten. About 250 million girls in the world cannot go to school freely. Malala's example reminds us of our duty and responsibility to guarantee children the right to education. This is the best investment for the future " he added.

Malala Yousafzai will be invited to receive her award at a ceremony in Strasbourg on 20 November.

(*) It brings together the President of Parliament and the leaders of the political groups.