Obama Praises Nobel Winners’ ‘Unyielding Commitment to Justice’

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza(WASHINGTON) — President Obama offered congratulations and praise for Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi, the winners of the 2014 Noble Peace Prize.

Obama, who won the award himself in 2009, called the announcement “a victory for all who strive to uphold the dignity of every human being.” Highlighting the importance of equal opportunity for all, “regardless of their background, or gender, or station in life,” Obama spoke highly of Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, who he said “has inspired people around the world with her passion and determination to make sure girls everywhere can get an education.”

Yousafzai was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman two years ago for insisting that girls have the right to an education.

“When the Taliban tried to silence her,” Obama said in his statement, “Malala answered their brutality with strength and resolve.”

“Michelle and I were proud to welcome this remarkable young woman to the Oval Office last year,” Obama noted. “We were awe-struck by her courage and filled with hope knowing this is only the beginning of her extraordinary efforts to make the world a better place.”

Obama also spoke of Kailash Satyarthi, the second winner of this year’s award. Satyarthi, Obama said, “has dedicated his life to ending child labor and wiping the stain of slavery from our world.” His work, the president added “reminds us of our shared responsibility to end the exploitation of others, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

The two winners “share an unyielding commitment to justice and an unshakable belief in the basic dignity of every girl and boy,” Obama’s statement read. “Even as we celebrate their achievements, we must recommit ourselves to the world that they seek — one in which our daughters have the right and opportunity to get an education; and in which all children are treated equally.”

Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio