Human rights in the sense of human solidarity has created a new universal and equal language going beyond racial, gender, ethnic or religious boundaries. That is why we consider it a doorway to dialogue for people of all socioeconomic groups and all ideologies.
Munir Said Thalib
Munir lived for the protection of human rights and liberties. For that, he had to pay dearly with his life! Too many human rights defenders, fighting against the forces of greed, keeping alive the spirit of humanity, have had to face the same fate.
Munir was a key figure in the fight for human rights in a country which lived under one of the most brutal dictatorships for more then three decades. He diligently devoted himself to revealing the truth about kidnappings and torture committed by state forces. He protected human rights campaigners and extended his solidarity to numerous vulnerable groups throughout Indonesia.
In recognition for his devotion, he received the Right Livelihood Award in 2000.
On 7 September 2004, the corrupt and powerful, threatened by the power of truth, demonstrated their cowardice, wickedness and illegitimacy. On that dreadful day secret services determined to end Munirs life by poisoning him on his flight to the Netherlands. Truth and justice has so far been denied by those same forces. Impunity prevails with the aim of silencing all those believing in justice, democracy, equality, and dignity. Yet, they fail to see that aim will never be achieved.
Munir carried the fire. That fire, once kindled, cannot be extinguished. The force, in the form of death and violence, meant to exterminate that fire, only adds fuel to it making it ever brighter. For all us human rights defenders, Munir has not died. He lives on within us, his fire giving us the energy to carry on and fight for what is right. He will forever remain our true inspiration, empowering us to fight for a world where human rights and liberties are enjoyed by all. Our determination to do so is intensifying with every anniversary that passes, our abhorrence amplifying knowing that those responsible for this atrocity remain free. The fire is with us!
In loving memory of Munir,
Members of the Working Group on Justice for Peace
The Commission for Dissapeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) Jl. Borobudur No. 14 Menteng Jakarta Pusat 10320 Indonesia phone : 62-21-3926983 fax : 62-21-3926821 email : kontras_98@kontras.org website : www.kontras.org
mailinglist : info_kontras@yahoogroups.co.uk
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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984. The above statement has only been forwarded by the AHRC.
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