Spring Break
Ebadi reminds us to be aware, act
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Forum
In conjunction with PeaceJam, last weekend's conference for young people here at OSU, Shirin Ebadi spoke last Friday evening, giving the OSU community a new perspective on human rights and reminding us all about the inequality in today's world.
Ebadi could be considered an expert on the topic of ending inequality. She is a lawyer and a human rights activist in Iran, and, according to her speech, has been defending people on a pro-bono basis, meaning she does not receive pay from her clients, for 17 years and has written over 14 books.
As if her life was not already impressive, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.
Ebadi spoke of her perspective on what is happening in the world. She believes, very accurately, that human rights are of the utmost importance.
"Rather than dropping cluster bombs on nations across the world, it's best to support democracy across the world by helping women attain rights," Ebadi said.
Ebadi's work is admirable, and in that theme, she is currently defending Roxana Saberi, the American-born woman who has lived in Iran for the last six years and is currently in an Iranian prison.
Saberi, who holds a two master's degrees in journalism and international studies, was working on another master's degree in Iranian studies when she was arrested in January for buying wine - illegal in Iran. Soon after, she was cited for not having a valid press card, then charged with spying for the U.S. and sentenced to nine years in prison for the crime. According to the New York Times, no evidence to convict Saberi was released and her trial only lasted one day.
Ebadi will first try to have Saberi released on bail and then appeal the crimes, according to the Washington Post.
With the sad tale of Saberi in the news, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to have Ebadi visit campus as a reminder to all of us of the injustice that occurs around the world.
In her speech, Ebadi recommended that all of us to use our resources to end equality. She asked artists and photographers to document injustice, doctors to help end the spread of AIDS, and journalists to write about Iran. So here we are.
Rather than turn away from what is happening in the world, we must acknowledge what is happening. We all have resources in front of us. We are students at an amazing university, and we can all do a part to change the world.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to editor@dailybarometer.com.
Ebadi could be considered an expert on the topic of ending inequality. She is a lawyer and a human rights activist in Iran, and, according to her speech, has been defending people on a pro-bono basis, meaning she does not receive pay from her clients, for 17 years and has written over 14 books.
As if her life was not already impressive, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.
Ebadi spoke of her perspective on what is happening in the world. She believes, very accurately, that human rights are of the utmost importance.
"Rather than dropping cluster bombs on nations across the world, it's best to support democracy across the world by helping women attain rights," Ebadi said.
Ebadi's work is admirable, and in that theme, she is currently defending Roxana Saberi, the American-born woman who has lived in Iran for the last six years and is currently in an Iranian prison.
Saberi, who holds a two master's degrees in journalism and international studies, was working on another master's degree in Iranian studies when she was arrested in January for buying wine - illegal in Iran. Soon after, she was cited for not having a valid press card, then charged with spying for the U.S. and sentenced to nine years in prison for the crime. According to the New York Times, no evidence to convict Saberi was released and her trial only lasted one day.
Ebadi will first try to have Saberi released on bail and then appeal the crimes, according to the Washington Post.
With the sad tale of Saberi in the news, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to have Ebadi visit campus as a reminder to all of us of the injustice that occurs around the world.
In her speech, Ebadi recommended that all of us to use our resources to end equality. She asked artists and photographers to document injustice, doctors to help end the spread of AIDS, and journalists to write about Iran. So here we are.
Rather than turn away from what is happening in the world, we must acknowledge what is happening. We all have resources in front of us. We are students at an amazing university, and we can all do a part to change the world.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to editor@dailybarometer.com.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
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