Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 11 October 2014

AUC Chairperson Congratulates 2014 Nobel Peace Laureates

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, congratulates the 2014 Nobel Peace joint Laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai. Both share the award “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” A Press Release from the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated.

"The award to 17 year old Malala is unprecedented. It is a loud message to our young girls and boys, and to the rest of the world, that the future of our youths is now. Their education and empowerment cannot be compromised by any individual or group of people." Dr. Dlamini Zuma welcomed the iconic young girl’s historic nomination.

The announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 was made by the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Thorbjorn Jagland on Friday 10 October 2014, in Oslo, Norway. According to the Press Release, Kailash Satyarthi, a Hindu from India, “has headed various forms of protests and demonstrations, all peaceful, focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain. He has also contributed to the development of important international conventions on children’s rights.”

Meanwhile, Malala Yousafzay, a Muslim from Pakistan, “has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education.”

Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission