Malala Yousafzai, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and advocate for the education of girls, recently spoke out against President Trump’s travel ban.
Malala Yousafzai, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and advocate for the education of girls, recently spoke out against President Trump’s travel ban.
In an interview with ‘CBS This Morning’ that aired on Wednesday, show co-host Norah O’Donnell asked Yousafzai, “President Trump twice tried to issue an immigration ban or a travel ban on refugees from majority Muslim countries. What message do you think that sent?”
Yousafzai commented, “Well, when the president banned Muslim-majority countries, that was really disappointing. And I was deeply hurt because I’m a Muslim. And to me, it just seemed like directly blaming Muslims, and that is not a solution. That is just making an excuse and hiding from the real problems.”
The Huffington Post notes that not only has the president attempted to bar U.S. entry to individuals coming from select, Muslim-majority nations, but he has also tried to keep Syrian refugees from settling in the country, suggesting they could pose threats to the U.S.
On that matter, Yousafzai said, “It’s important that he understand that these people are in need.”
She suggested, “President Trump needs to go and see refugee children. He needs to go and visit the refugee camps. He needs to know what the real life is like in a refugee camp.”
Yousafzai has expressed heartbreak over Trump’s travel ban in the past as well.
In a statement posted to the Malala Fund Facebook page in late January, she wrote, “I am heartbroken that...President Trump is closing the door on children, mothers and fathers fleeing violence and war. I am heartbroken that America is turning its back on a proud history of welcoming refugees and immigrants — the people who helped build your country, ready to work hard in exchange for a fair chance at a new life.”