Women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai has called for leaders across the UK and US to ‘stand up for humanity’ during this ‘urgent humanitarian crisis’.
As the world watches the horrifying scenes of the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, the 24-year-old made a call to action during an interview with Newsnight’s Sima Kotecha.
The Nobel Laureate prompted President Biden to make ‘ bold steps’ for the protection of women, girls, minority groups and for peace and stability in the region.
Yousafzai said, ‘Countries need to open their borders to Afghan refugees, to the displaced people, and I have sent a letter to (Pakistani) Prime Minister Imran Khan asking him to allow refugees and ensure that the refugee children have access to education, access to safety and protection, that their futures are not lost.'
'I have not yet made contact with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but whoever can hear me right now, I think it’s important for them to remember that they have such an important strategic leadership role to play. They must take a bold stance for the protection of human rights; it is important for peace globally.'
Malala was just 15 when she was targeted by the Taliban for speaking up for Afgahan girls’ rights and their education.
Reflecting on her horrifying experience she explained,’ ‘We used to hide our books under our scarves and women were not allowed to go to markets. That was clearly also the life of many women in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule.'
She continued, 'I do not want to see Afghan girls and women living through those times. Again, that’s why I am standing up for them, I am raising my voice for them. We cannot accept this. We cannot live in a world where a girl is denied her right to education.'
Malala concluded with a message to those fighting for safety, “My message to all Afghan girls and women is that I stand with you, I will stand for your rights – for your right to have a future, for your right to have access to education and your right to have access to your dreams,” she continued. “No one should deny you those rights… you are all humans, you have the equal rights of everyone else and I and everyone else will stand with you.”
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