Matviichuk’s Revolutionale speech centers on the universal narrative of human endurance and the boundless potential of ordinary people in orchestrating extraordinary change
BARIŞ ALTINTAŞ
Leipzig - In an address at the Revolutionale International Round Table Conference in Leipzig, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, underscored the indomitable spirit of ordinary individuals in the face of adversity. Matviichuk, the head of the Center for Civil Liberties which bagged the prestigious Nobel Peace accolade, delved into the essence of democracy and human resilience, echoing a resounding message: "Ordinary people can do extraordinary things."
During her speech, Matviichuk reminisced about the harrowing yet transformative days of the Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan), where over 100 peaceful demonstrators were ruthlessly killed by security forces. The oppressive arm of the law, coupled with government apathy, seemed insurmountable, she remembered: “Everybody was against us.” Yet, amidst the ashes of repression, blossomed the flower of resistance.
She highlighted the pivotal role of her organization at the time, EuroMaidan SOS, in providing support to the battered and detained. She said the most important lesson was that the people, no matter which rights violations they suffered, always knew that there woudl be someone out there to help, which helped transcend fear.
“This is a story of courage of people fighting for freedom, but also one of solidarity”, she said. Matviichuk didn't mince words as she attributed the roots of conflict to a premature aggression by Russia, long before the 24 February invasion, aimed at stifling the Revolution of Dignity. The indelible image of ordinary citizens standing firm against a formidable adversary like Russia, underscored the power of communal resilience.
Drops in the ocean
Discussing the limitations of legal instruments under totalitarian regimes, Matviichuk said the human solidarity will alwasy serves bedrock of resistance. Whether it's women in Iran, dissenters in China, or Ukrainians, the common thread of fighting against oppression weaves them together. She underlined the pernicious culture of 'learned helplessness' that often shackles individuals amidst monumental challenges. “We should overcome this”, she said.
And to overcome the culture of learned helplessness, she offered a symbolic reference, recalling how artists during the revolution depicted the collective as a 'drop in the ocean', signifying the potential to alter reality when united for a righteous cause.
In the speech, she said global tolerance remains in place towards human rights and democracy violations, and criticized even advanced democracies for fraternizing with autocratic leaders like Putin.
“Resistance is the best strategy”
In the question and answers section, Matviichuk expounded on civil collective responsibility, urging individuals to not take freedom for granted.
Reflecting on a question regarding Afghanistan, she vouched for resistence as the optimal strategy, urging human rights defenders to unify against the despotic onslaught of totalitarian regimes.
In remarks made to MLSA during the conference, Tim Böhse, affiliated with the Ukrainian rights organization Drukarnya, echoed Matviichuk's sentiments on the solidarity and effectiveness of civil society in Ukraine. He lauded the grassroots mobilization, adeptness at combating disinformation, and the democratic, inclusive discourse even amidst conflict, as testament to the robust civil society institutions in Ukraine:
“Civil society is very adept, it practically has its own institutions that could replace state institutions if needed. They have bottom-up fundraising, and an incredible ability to mobilize masses and they are very effective at social communication. They are very good at fighting disinformation and propoganda. Also even now at war, discourse in the country remains democratic, nationwide and inclusive."
About Revolutionale
Revolutionale, organized by the Foundation of the Peaceful Revolution, is a biennial event that alternates between an International Round Table Conference and a Festival for Change, aimed at enhancing civil society engagement for human rights, democracy, and social change. The conference, held around October 9 to commemorate the significant Monday demonstration in Leipzig in 1989, serves as a platform for individuals from various sectors to discuss common values and contemporary challenges. Through fostering discussions and international networking, Revolutionale seeks to support international movements for democracy and freedom, mirroring the spirit of peaceful coexistence and solidarity emblematic of the Peaceful Autumn Revolution of 1989.
