London: Pakistani schoolgirl and education rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai and American singer, human rights and social justice activist Harry Belafonte were on Tuesday named as joint recipients of Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award for 2013.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award is the human rights group's highest honour, recognizing individuals who have promoted and enhanced the cause of human rights through their life and by example. The award will be presented at a ceremony on Tuesday evening at the Mansion House in Dublin, Ireland, according to a press statement issued by Amnesty International.
"Our two new Ambassadors of Conscience are different from each other in many ways, but they share a dedication to the fight for human rights everywhere and for all," said Salil Shetty, secretary general of Amnesty International. "Harry and Malala are truly ambassadors of conscience, speaking up for universal rights, justice and human dignity and inspiring others to follow their example." Malala Yousafzai, 16, is an advocate for equal access to education.
Malala will be presented with the Award by singer Bono along with Azar Nafisi, author of the book 'Reading Lolita in Tehran'. "I am truly honoured to receive this award and would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that there are many millions of children like me across the world who fight every single day for their right to go to school," Malala said adding "I hope that by working together we will one day realise our dream of education for every child, in every corner of the world."
Co-recipient of the award Harry Belafonte has dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, spanning the civil rights movement to the plight of children caught in Syria's armed conflict. An Emmy- and Tony-Award winning musician and entertainer, Harry Belafonte has in innumerable ways acted on what he describes as the "obligation to do more than just entertain".
"Since its birth, I have been devoted to the principles for which Amnesty International stands," Belafonte said after being named for the award. "It is an honour to receive the recognition being bestowed. Amnesty International's stand on any universal abuse to human rights has been courageous and is our moral compass," he said. "I am especially honoured to receive the Ambassador of Conscience Award because I am having the distinction of sharing this with Malala Yousafzai, a true hero of our time," the acclaimed musician added.
