The Citadelle, Sunday, October 19, 2008

I learned very early in life that freedom, free speech and respect for human dignity could be shamelessly abused.

Having lived under the iron rule of a merciless dictatorship, I understand the courage—the temerity, even—that journalists must posses to work in regions of the world that are rife with misery, conflict and horror.

Many have paid with their lives.

Freedom must always, constantly, be reconquered. We must never take it for granted. We must never back down. We must never turn a blind eye. Vigilance thrives on the strength of ideas and words.

For the journalists we are honouring today, La Francophonie is a vital space of resonance.

A space that allows them to express ideas and themselves. A space in which to challenge certain points of view in places where propaganda and censorship overshadow the truth, where people too often try to silence them, where clichés and prejudices continue to hold sway.

Everything about the way they work compels our admiration.

Consider the means at their disposal—meagre compared to what we have here and in the wealthiest Francophonie countries.

Consider the vigilance and daring they need to overcome fear, to bear witness, to denounce unacceptable situations out loud, with their faces uncovered.

Consider the fervour with which they inform us about, and report and uncover events, using language that is precise, yet full of imagery, language that reaches and touches the population.

To say nothing of the conviction they have that their efforts will raise consciousnesses and transform society.

To you, who play a significant role in our duty to remember, in the fight for freedoms, in our need to understand, in our battle against indifference, against ignorance and the feeling of powerlessness, we say: “Please continue!”

Continue to shed light on this world and offer a glimmer of hope to your fellow citizens, who crave truth and yearn to be heard.

Continue to give them a voice and break down our solitudes.

And may you find in La Francophonie an expression of solidarity that knows no bounds.

Congratulations and best wishes.