Malala to be offered honorary Canadian citizenship

Malala would become only the sixth person ever to be offered honorary Canadian citizenship.


Afp October 16, 2013
Malala Yousufzai will join an exclusive club that includes Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, the Dalai Lama and the Aga Khan. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

OTTAWA: Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old activist who was shot by the Taliban for championing girls' rights to education, will be offered honorary Canadian citizenship, a government source said Wednesday.

The announcement is expected in a speech later in the day outlining the Canadian government's upcoming legislative agenda, according to the senior official.

Malala will become just the sixth person to be granted honorary Canadian citizenship, following in the footsteps of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi and the Aga Khan.

Malala was shot in the head by the Pakistani Taliban on October 9, 2012, for speaking out against them, demanding that girls be given the right to go to school.

She was subsequently flown to Britain for specialist care and made a remarkable recovery, going on to become a global ambassador for children's rights.

Malala has also written an autobiography, addressed the United Nations and set up a fund.

Last week, she won the European Union's prestigious Sakharov human rights prize and was welcomed to the White House by US President Barack Obama.

Canadian Governor General David Johnston, in his Throne Speech, is also expected to list the economy and trade, crime fighting and consumer rights as the government's main focus in the months ahead.

COMMENTS (49)

Ali S | 10 years ago | Reply I wonder if the citizenship offer is extended to her family as well.. make hay while the sun is shining
leela | 10 years ago | Reply

While giving an award is fine, Canadian politicians should take a moment to ponder over citizenship granted to many from Islamic countries who are against the very foundations of the country and openly call for its and the west's destruction. In a few years from now, I won't be surprised if this girl will be at the forefront of demonstrations for implementation of shariah in Canada!

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ