This week’s Social Science Quote comes from Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist, Hina Jilani.

During the April 2014, Hina Jilani participated on a panel with Jimmy Carter, former USA President. The event was held in Paris, France, and it was titled: “Climate Change: Who will lead? The Elders in Conversation With Young People.” Here is Jilani making a similar comment, in context:

After one student described himself as “sad and angry” at the failure of past climate negotiations, the Elders also encouraged young people to take the long view and recognise the progress that has already been made. “Look back at the first Rio summit,” said Hina Jilani. “It’s not fair to say that nothing has changed. Now there is a greater level of awareness.” Above all, she said, “Never stop being outraged by oppression or injustice. If we do this, we lose ability to be change-makers.”

Source: The Elders

An audience member live tweeted Jilani’s comments on life:

“We should never stop being outraged… We cannot afford the luxury of cynicism”

Source: The Elders

Some other quotes from Jilani, from The Elders website:

Nobody brings about change single-handedly. There are many people who are legendary, who have influenced events in the world, but behind them there is always a collective effort.

I always had this feeling that if you see injustice, you have to speak out against it; otherwise you are not in a position to complain.

Human rights are not embodied and protected by declarations, conventions or pieces of legislation; they are embodied and protected by people. It is people who go out to claim their rights, it is people who realise their freedoms.

Note

This post has been updated to include further quotes.