Foreword in Book on human rights and freedom on expression

Freedom of expression is the backbone of any democratic society. Without it, free and open public debate – an essential basis for social, economic and cultural development – is silenced.

Freedom of expression means that writers and journalists have the right to discuss any issue of interest, without fear of reprisal or punishment from their government or other forces in society. I consider this right to be fundamental to an open public debate and to the role of literature as an art form. 

Regrettably, many writers around the world do not have the security we take for granted. Authors, writers, reporters and journalists are subjected to pressure and threats, imprisonment and torture.

However, in the long run the pen really is mightier than the sword. It challenges powerful people and totalitarian ideologies around the world. 

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An international network of cities of refuge was originally set up in 1994 to give persecuted writers an opportunity to work in a safe environment. The initiative came from Salman Rushdie, whose own life was threatened in an attempt to silence him. Eleven Norwegian towns and cities have now joined the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN), and invite writers to live and work in their community for a period of one to two years.

Through ICORN, writers from all over the world who are persecuted because of their work have found a place of refuge where they can write without fear and censorship. Each guest writer can enjoy a period of time in a city of refuge to continue their work and tell the world about persecution and lack of freedom, without repression and fear of imprisonment, and without risking torture or even death. 

The guest writers are also able to reach out to various groups and the media in their home country, or to other members of the diaspora, not least due to the development of new communication technologies. They can write freely and convey other messages than those currently accepted at home.

In return, the guest writers provide their host cities with invaluable cultural and literary impulses from different parts of the world. 

In Norway, we are grateful for this opportunity to expand our horizons. It reminds us of the importance of keeping dreams and ideas of a better life alive. The guest writers are living witnesses to the fact that there is an alternative to censorship, self-censorship, repression and persecution. 

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More information at ICORN's web site