Shirin Ebadi

The younger generation is essentially idealistic. This applies to the Iranian youth as well. In addition, the youth in Iran face certain difficulties... the Iranian youth need more freedom. They are struggling for more freedom and democracy. This commands great respect.

Sadly the job security of lawyers has been ruined, so they are less willing to defend political defendants.

Lawyers have a dangerous job in Iran.

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

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

When you vote, vote for those who are not warmongers, and vote for those who respect human rights. When you see a president who doesn't respect human rights, don't vote for that person.

Lawyers should not be charged with the same crimes as their clients. Trials related to political charges are not in accordance with human rights.

I hope the example of Saddam Hussein will give a lesson to leaders of other countries where human rights are not respected.

When we criticize in Iran the actions of the government, the fundamentalists say that we and the Bush Administration are in the same camp. The funny thing is that human rights activists and Mr. Bush can never be situated in the same group.

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

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

Democracy doesn't recognize east or west; democracy is simply people's will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.