WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to children’s rights activists is a victory for everyone who strives to uphold human dignity.

The prize went to Taliban attack survivor Malala Yousafzai (mah-LAH’-lah YOO’-suhf-zeye) of Pakistan and children’s rights activist Kailash Satyarthi (KY’-lash saht-YAHR’-thee) of India. Obama says it’s a reminder of the urgency of protecting young people’s freedoms.

Obama says both have faced threats and risked their lives to improve the world. He says they come from different countries and religions but share a commitment to justice.

Obama says the U.S. stands with those who defend universal human rights. The president won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.

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