Mart Laar - Oslo Freedom Forum 2010

Former Estonian prime minister Mart Laar tells us about his personal experience fighting for human rights and democracy in his country. Laar grew up under Soviet occupation where the Estonian language and culture was repressed and where, for a long time, the world did not seem to care what was happening. The repression was harsh, brutal, and deadly - the Soviets built a system based on fear in order to stop Estonians from gathering and standing up for their rights. The Estonians felt alone and had little hope.

Laar teaches us the two key things that changed this sitution: First, the international community began to recognize the harm being done in Estonia and placed pressure and sanctions on the Soviet occupiers. Much of the world pledged solidarity and watched to make sure that the Soviets did not use violence. Two, the Estonians dared to dream. They did not argue about what was possible and what was not - they instead spoke up and between 1987 and 1990 thousands gathered peacefully in the streets and sang songs for independence. This was the Singing Revolution - the Estonian miracle.

Traditional wisdom dictates that we cannot walk on water. However, Laar's experience shows that if we are fast enough, brave enough, and we do not realize that it is impossible, we can do it. Thus he has hope for other repressed peoples around the world, such as the Uyghurs. If they can convince the international community to protest their suffering and if they dare to dream, they can find freedom.

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