Irene Fernandez
(1946-)

Malaysian Human Rights Activist,
2005 Right Livelihood Award Winner
1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005

birthdate: ?
birthplace:
Malaysia

QUOTES

“We must change the rules of the global economy, for it is the logic of global capitalism that is the source of the disruption of society and of the environment. The challenge is that even as we deconstruct the old, we dare to imagine and win over people to our visions and programs for the new.”

We belong to one race, the human race and we have only one earth. This solidarity of people must ensure that we put people and the planet before profits. The earth we are given is not just for us but also for those who come after us. They need a tomorrow and that rests on us today.

We now have a global community that calculates how to maximize the benefits for a few at the expense of the majority

"When I see the migrant workers' broken bodies and eyes without hope, I want to embrace and wipe away their fears. It makes me angry and helps me to keep fighting the oppressive system."

We only live once. That is why life is precious for each one of us. Life is nurtured, protected, secured. But for more and more people, life is being threatened. As globalization grips us, inequalities sharpen and the divide between the North and South increases. Poverty is one major factor that threatens life.

 

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