Shirin Ebadi Quotes & Sayings

“Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.”

“Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother's home.”

“When a person is humiliated, when his rights are being violated, and he does not have the proper education, naturally he gravitates toward terrorism.”

“I maintain that nothing useful and lasting can emerge from violence.”

“How can you defy fear? Fear is a human instinct, just like hunger. Whether you like it or not, you become hungry. Similarly with fear. But I have learned to train myself to live with this fear.”

“The idea of cultural relativism is nothing but an excuse to violate human rights.”

“My aim is to show that those governments that violate the rights of people by invoking the name of Islam have been misusing Islam.”

“Because of our youthful population, we suffer from unemployment in Iran. We need more universities and more job opportunities for the young.”

“No American soldier should be allowed to set foot on Iranian soil, regardless of the criticism we have of the Iranian government.”

“We shouldn't just consider the desire of government to do what it wants to do. We should always consider the resistance of people. The culture of Iranian people doesn't let the government drag people into deep trouble or backlash. Maybe government wants it, but the culture doesn't let it go on.”