Malala Yousafzai condemns Donald Trump for 'closing door' on those fleeing war-torn countries

'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,' says Nobel Peace laureate

Mr Trump’s ban on refugees entering the US has unleashed chaos and outrage across the world

Malala Yousafzai has said she is “heartbroken” about Donald Trump’s refugee ban and urged the President to scrap the executive order.

Last week, Mr Trump signed an order suspending the entire US refugee admissions system for 120 days, halting the Syrian refugee programme indefinitely, and banning entry for people from seven majority-Muslim countries such as Syria, Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Libya and Somalia for 90 days. The billionaire property developer said he would prioritise Christian refugees over those of other religions.

The Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace laureate condemned the President for discriminating against those fleeing war-torn countries.

"I am heartbroken that today President Trump is closing the door on children, mothers and fathers fleeing violence and war," the 19-year-old said in a statement released via The Malala Fund.

"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."

“I am heartbroken that Syrian refugee children, who have suffered through six years of war by no fault of their own, are singled-out for discrimination”.

Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban in an attempt to stop her campaigning for girls’ education in 2012, referred to a friend named Zaynab, who escaped wars in Somalia, Yemen and Egypt before turning 17. She explained that Zaynab received a visa to go to the US two years ago, where she learned English, graduated from secondary school and is now studying to be a human rights lawyer at university.

“Zaynab was separated from her little sister when she fled unrest in Egypt,” Yousafzai, who has become a globally renowned campaigner for girls' education and children's rights, said.

"Today her hope of being reunited with her precious sister dims. In this time of uncertainty and unrest around the world, I ask President Trump not to turn his back on the world’s most defenseless children and families.”

Mr Trump’s ban on refugees entering the US has unleashed chaos and outrage across the world. Protests have swept across American airports and US lawyers have declared the President’s actions unconstitutional.