NEW YORK: Malala Yousafzai has delivered a searing rebuke to Trump for signing an executive order targeting Muslim immigrants and refugees banning them from entering the US. “I am heartbroken that today President Trump is closing the door on children, mothers and fathers fleeing violence and war,” Yousafzai, 19, said in a Facebook statement on Friday. “I am heartbroken that America is turning its back on a proud history of welcoming refugees and immigrants — the people who helped build your country, ready to work hard in exchange for a fair chance at a new life.”

Yousafzai who rose to international prominence as a defiant voice advocating for girls education, said she took offence that children from war-torn nations like Syria were being singled out. “I am heartbroken for girls like my friend Zaynab, who fled wars in three countries — Somalia, Yemen and Egypt — before she was even 17,” Yousafzai said. “Zaynab was separated from her little sister when she fled unrest in Egypt. Today her hope of being reunited with her precious sister dims.”

Yousafzai urged Trump to think of the impact his policy will have on children. “In this time of uncertainty and unrest around the world, I ask President Trump not to turn his back on the world’s most defenceless children and families.”

Published in Dawn January 29th, 2017