Islam, Democracy and Human Rights

Friday, May 14, 2004
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
UCLA
Royce Hall
Los Angeles, CA

Shirin Ebadi is the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.  A lawyer and human rights activist who served in the 1970s as one of the first female judges in Iran. 

In her Nobel Lecture delivered on December 10, 2003, Ebadi said, “The decision by the Nobel Peace Committee to award the 2003 prize to me, as the first Iranian and the first woman from a Muslim country, inspires me and millions of Iranians and nationals of Islamic states with the hope that our efforts, endeavors and struggles toward the realization of human rights and the establishment of democracy in our respective countries enjoy the support, backing and solidarity of international civil society. This prize belongs to the people of Iran. It belongs to the people of the Islamic states for establishing human rights and democracy…. If the 21st century wishes to free itself from the cycle of violence, acts of terror and war, and avoid repetition of the experience of the 20th century – that most disaster-ridden century of humankind – there is no other way except by understanding and putting into practice every human right for all mankind, irrespective of race, gender, faith, nationality or social status.”

Ebadi represents modern reformist Islam, and argues for a new interpretation of Islamic law which is in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech.  She has displayed great personal courage as a lawyer defending individuals and groups who have fallen victim to a powerful political and legal system that is legitimized through an inhumane interpretation of Islam.

IMPORTANT TICKET UPDATE: Starting Monday, May 10 -UCLA Faculty/Staff/Students with valid Bruincard may pick up 2 tickets per Bruincard at the Central Ticket Office. PLEASE NOTE: All un-claimed seats will be filled from those waiting on line on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost : free - but MUST HAVE TICKET

Sponsor(s): Burkle Center for International Relations