[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 244--CONGRATULATING SHIRIN EBADI FOR WINNING THE 2003 
   NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AND COMMENDING HER FOR HER LIFETIME OF WORK TO 
                   PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

  Mrs. BOXER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 244

       Whereas Shirin Ebadi is the winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace 
     Prize;
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi has fought to support basic human 
     rights in Iran through her work as a lawyer, judge, lecturer, 
     writer, and activist;
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi believes that conflict should be 
     resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual 
     understanding;
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi supports democracy and democratic 
     elections and has defended those who have been attacked for 
     exercising their freedom of speech;
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi argues for an interpretation of 
     Islamic law that is in harmony with democracy and vital human 
     rights such as equality before the law, freedom of religion, 
     and freedom of speech;
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi has been a leader in promoting the 
     human rights of women and girls; and
       Whereas Shirin Ebadi has been arrested numerous times for 
     her courageous defense of basic human rights and democratic 
     ideals, sacrificing her own freedom for the freedom of 
     others: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates Shirin Ebadi for winning the 2003 Nobel 
     Peace Prize; and
       (2) commends Shirin Ebadi for her lifetime of work to 
     promote democracy and human rights.

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I rise to submit a resolution 
congratulating Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize.
  Throughout her life, Shirin Ebadi has been the leading advocate for 
human rights and democratic reform in Iran. As a lawyer, a judge, a 
writer, and an activist, Ms. Ebadi has spend her career speaking out 
and defending the rights of women, children, and victims of government 
repression. Despite repeated threats made to her security, periods of 
imprisonment, and temporary suspensions from practicing law, Ms. Ebadi 
has continued to work tirelessly for those needing a voice to speak for 
them.
  In addition to establishing one of the first independent human rights 
organizations in Iran--the Society for the Protection of the Rights of 
the Child--Ms. Ebadi also helped create the Center for the Defense of 
Human Rights, an organization aimed at defending imprisoned journalists 
and political activists.
   Her work is an inspiration to us all. I hope all my colleagues will 
join me in supporting this resolution demonstrating our appreciation to 
such a heroic champion for human rights.

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