On the discrimination against girls in Pakistan, in particular the case of Malala Yousafzai
Laima Andrikiene MEP (EPP, Lithuania)
Debate on the cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
EP plenary session
Strasbourg
October 26, 2012
Today we discuss the case of Malala Yousafzai, a 14 year old girl from the Swat Valley in Pakistan who on October 9 on her way to school was shot in her head and neck and severely wounded, while two other girls equally sustained wounds in the attack. Of course, we, the European Parliament, stand firmly behind Malala and her family as it is clearly expressed on our resolution.
Tehreek-e-Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, and even more: they issued a statement that they would attempt to kill Malala Yousafzai again if she recovers from her injuries. Women and girls in Pakistan continue to be victims of domestic violence, trafficking, forced marriages, and being traded in settlement of disputes. The perpetrators of violence against women and girls remain unprosecuted.
Malala's case is not unique in Pakistan. In 2011 alone, 11 incidents were reported of children being used by armed groups to carry out suicide attacks, children continue to be victims of indiscriminate attacks.
My believe is that wherever children become a target of military attacks and it is tolerated by the leadership of the country, that regime and that nation do not have a future. Children should go to school, children should be better educated than their parents are, and if their fathers, uncles, older brothers prevent children from enjoying even their very basic rights, like right to education, it is lamentable.
We call on the Government and authorities of Pakistan to take concrete steps in order to improve the situation.
We also urge the EU institutions as well as international community to ensure that Pakistan would stick to its international commitments.
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