Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Shajarizadeh, Ms. Adrian, and Mr. al-Hathloul, thank you for being with us today. I am very pleased and deeply humbled to speak this evening in recognition of the three incredible women, human rights defenders all, who have graciously accepted an award from the Subcommittee on International Human Rights.
My words go to three women, one of whom, Ms. Adrian, is here with us, who have overcome incredible obstacles and shown an unparalleled commitment to human rights. Meeting you this evening highlights even more the significance of this event. The Subcommittee on International Human Rights would like you to know that, not only do we acknowledge your work, but also that we are at your side and at the side of the other women who, like you, are standing up for human rights throughout the world.
It is important for me to say that, thanks to women like you, so many others can enjoy more rights now than when you began your work. This is another reason why we are with you and you are with us this evening. Your commitment, even in the face of the greatest adversity, continues to raise the bar and to encourage the next generation of women defending human rights. Thanks to you, they will be further ahead and will perhaps have fewer obstacles to overcome. It is important for us to tell you how great an inspiration you have become for the generation following in your footsteps.
Without doubt, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, indeed all who are here today, agree that you are that source of information for us all, as you are for the entire world. It is extremely important for us to highlight how significant that is.
Thank you so much. Thank you for being here, for being an inspiration for us, for so many other women, and for the men who stand by those women all around the world. That must be said too. You are an inspiration not only for women, you are an inspiration also for the men who, from watching you, see in themselves the need to stand beside our sisters, our mothers, and our daughters.
The work that you are doing not only needs to be done, it must be done. Without you, we will not be able to move forward, as you have managed to demonstrate in such an incredible way.
Once again, we are eternally grateful to you.
Good evening.