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'Pakistan's Anne Frank' honoured for her courage

February 13, 2014 13:43
Naomie Harris with Ziauddin Yousafzai

By

Rosa Doherty,

Rosa Doherty

1 min read

An award to a teenage Pakistani girl the Taliban tried to assassinate for promoting women's education was the highlight of the Anne Frank Trust Holocaust Memorial Day lunch, which raised £400,000.

Malala Yousafzai's moral courage award was accepted by her father Ziauddin from Hollywood star Naomie Harris. Addressing the 400 guests at the West End event, he said that "Malala is Pakistan's Anne Frank and I believe together we can fight fascists. Where there is a Hitler there is an Anne Frank and Malala with a voice for humanity. What happened to Anne Frank is still happening and has been happening to my people for 30 years.

"Anne Frank died in a concentration camp and Malala was almost killed at 15 for what she believed in. I dedicate this award to the martyrs of all genocides."

Ms Harris said afterwards that "Malala's determination to fight for the right for women to be educated is inspiring. When I saw Malala speak to the United Nations last year, I was speechless. For a child her age to be so full of passion and bravery is something else."

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