Every religion curbs women rights to some extent. Some countries acted against religions and put a ban on wearing hijab, which was also a violation of human rights.
Asma JahangirRead
Yes, I am very unhappy, extremely anguished at human rights violations against Kashmiris in India or against Rohingyas in Burma or, for that matter, Christians in Orissa; but obviously, I am going to be more concerned of violations taking place in my own house because I am closer to the people who I live with. I have more passion for them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the importance of prioritizing human rights concerns closer to home while acknowledging suffering elsewhere.
Asma Jahangir's quote highlights the profound emotional connection individuals feel towards the injustices faced by those directly within their community, in contrast to a more distant awareness of human rights violations globally. It emphasizes that personal relationships and proximity breed a deeper concern for injustices, urging empathy and action based on closeness rather than mere awareness.
Themes
Human RightsEmpathyJusticeCommunityAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, you could use this quote to emphasize the need to focus on local human rights issues first.
More from Asma Jahangir
All quotes →There have always been difficult situations for activists in Pakistan. In the 1960s, people fought for linguistic and ethnic rights in relation to the Bangladesh movement and the struggle of the people in the western Balochistan province.
Asma JahangirRead
We are so resilient as a people. I have so much respect for their dignity and courage. I hope the world sees this side of Pakistan, one where professionals want a democracy. The spirit of our intelligentsia cannot be broken.
Asma JahangirRead
In 1986, Pakistan got the blasphemy law. So, while we had just two cases of blasphemy before that year, now we have thousands. It shows that one should be careful while bringing religion into legislation, because the law itself can become an instrument of persecution.
Asma JahangirRead
I'm not fearful for myself, because I've seen adversity, and I can see it again. But I feel very upset and anguished when I see images of young lawyers beaten up.
Asma JahangirRead
Duplicity in matters of religion is not confined to Pakistan, but it hurts the most in societies where debate on religion is asphyxiated and preachers of hate have become keepers of faith.
Asma JahangirRead
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