Congratulating India's Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai on being awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, UN chief Ban Ki-moon today applauded the two child rights activists as the world's "greatest champions" for children.
"I congratulate Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi - two of the world's greatest champions for children -- on being awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize for Peace," Ban said in a statement issued here.
The UN Secretary General said Satyarthi, 60, has been at the forefront of a worldwide movement for justice, global education and a better life for millions of children trapped in exploitative child labour.
"Thanks in large measure to Satyarthi's heroic work, the world has moved from denial about abusive child labour to acknowledgement, awareness and action. He has successfully brought together the key elements for success in the fight against the worst forms of child labour - moral outrage, personal commitment, and societal engagement," Ban said acknowledging Satyarthi's regular presence at the UN.
He said the Indian social activist's leadership, commitment and personal sacrifice over many decades have helped raise public awareness, mobilise opinion leaders, and galvanise society.
Describing Malala, 17, as a "brave and gentle" advocate of peace, Ban said the Pakistani teenager has with her courage and determination, shown what terrorists fear most - "a girl with a book".
