VIDEO: Elie Wiesel Opens Oslo Freedom Forum

NEW YORK (June 12, 2009)— The first event of the Oslo Freedom Forum was a conversation between Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and investigative journalist Soledad O’Brien. O'Brien queries Wiesel on his experiences fighting genocide. Wiesel calls on humanity to act in the face of evil—not just for others but for ourselves. "When someone suffers and I know about it and I remain indifferent, I condemn myself...indifference is the worst that can happen to a human being.” Wiesel advises that action can range from passionate rights campaigns to simple gestures or words of encouragement that let victims know they are not alone. “Unmask evil. Name it where it is and when it is... the moment it begins, recognize the beginning and fight.”

Oslo Freedom Forum: Kjell Magne Bondevik http://vimeo.com/5082283 About this video: "The former Prime Minister of Norway, who currently heads the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, introduces Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel."

The Oslo Freedom Forum brought together some of the world’s leading minds to honor heroic survivors of political oppression and persecution this May 18-20 in Norway. The conference showcased the testimonies and noble purpose of these men and women who risked their lives for freedom. With a guiding focus on civil and political rights, we revisited the memoirs they wrote about their harrowing experiences. This literature of survival served to galvanize human rights movements across the globe and bears witness to the resilience of the human spirit.

HRF is an international nonpartisan organization devoted to defending human rights in the Americas. It centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries. Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the governments of their countries; HRF’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. HRF does not support nor condone violence. HRF’s International Council includes former prisoners of conscience Vladimir Bukovsky, Palden Gyatso, Armando Valladares, Ramón J. Velásquez, Elie Wiesel, and Harry Wu.

Contact: Alex Gladstein, Human Rights Foundation, (212) 246.8486, info@thehrf.org