Malala Awarded Honorary Canadian Citizenship

The youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai will receive her honorary Canadian citizenship in Ottawa next week, announced the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Malala will address Canada’s Parliament on April 12 after which she will be officially presented the citizenship.

Malala became an international activist for girls’ rights and women empowerment after surviving a Taliban attack in 2012 when she was just 15.

“Ms. Yousafzai’s courageous response to those who threatened her life, and her advocacy for girls’ education, has inspired many millions of people around the world”, Trudeau said in a press release.

“Her story is one of determination and dignity, and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country," added the statement.

The Canadian Premier’s press release also quoted Malala as saying, "The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honoured by Parliament's invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes."

Malala is one of just six people to receive honorary Canadian citizenship. The others are Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, the 14th Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Aga Khan.