Shirin Ebadi's Quotes

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

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

We must not enable anyone to impose his personal view regarding religion on others by force, oppression, or pressure.

Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother's home.

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

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.

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

I maintain that nothing useful and lasting can emerge from violence.

Lawyers have a dangerous job in Iran.

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

The Iranian government intends to use the nuclear program for peaceful purposes, but must convince international public opinion of that.

How can you defy fear? Fear is a human instinct, just like hunger. Whether you like it or not, you become hungry. Similarly with fear. But I have learned to train myself to live with this fear.

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

No American soldier should be allowed to set foot on Iranian soil, regardless of the criticism we have of the Iranian government.

When a person is humiliated, when his rights are being violated, and he does not have the proper education, naturally he gravitates toward terrorism.

The condition of women in Islamic societies as a whole is also far from desirable. However, we should acknowledge that there are differences. In certain countries, the conditions are much better and in others much worse.

What is important is that one utilizes one's intellect and not to be 100 percent sure about one's convictions. One should always leave room for doubt.