CAIRO, Nov 14 (MENA) - Mozambican activist and politician Graça Machel, the wife of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, criticized the international silence over attacks on the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan.

In her speech on the occasion of Kemet Boutros-Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge award, she said that the violations occurring are the result of international silence, calling on everyone to have the courage to tell the truth at any cost.

In the speech delivered on her behalf by her daughter while receiving the award, she expressed her pride in receiving an award bearing the name of former UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali, saying he was dear colleague of hers.

She mentioned that Boutros-Ghali paid great attention to the internationally marginalized groups, which directed her life and efforts as a human rights activist and defender of women's and children's rights.

She continued that Boutros-Ghali was one of the finest sons of the African continent, convinced that their common humanity is what makes each of us responsible for protecting the rights of others.

She stressed that during her own journey, she witnessed the power of collective action and the beautiful fruits that can be generated from caring for the faces and voices of those who cannot be seen or heard.

She said that she dedicates her award and this recognition not only to those who have stood by her over the decades, and worked tirelessly for peace, equality and justice in their communities, but also to those who are courageously struggling today for their freedom, freedom from forms of oppression, freedom from the torment of violence in the streets and in homes, and freedom from the cruel insults to human dignity.

She stressed that Boutros-Ghali knew that human rights are the foundation of peace, and he fought tirelessly to ensure their respect and support and stood against injustice in all its forms. (MENA)
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