To create is to resist; Stephane Hessel RIP

Re: "A life spent fighting injustice", Opinion, March 1.

I commend The Nation for being so prompt in publishing the above article by Agnes Poirier about the unforgettable Stephane Hessel, who entered eternity at 95 on February 27.

I had the privilege of meeting him in 1970 during the Unesco General Conference in Paris. At that time he was director for International Organisations at the Quai d'Orsay (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France).

Stephane Hessel will be remembered as a monumental personality in the history of international law, multilateral diplomacy and, in particular, as an exemplary fighter for human rights. One of his favourite quotes was: "To create is to resist, to resist is to create."

In the present world characterised by so many global vulnerabilities his legacy conveys a persuasive appeal for a permanent combat against violence, war and injustice.

Ioan Voicu

Bangkok