Stéphane Hessel was a writer, diplomat, ambassador, concentration camp survivor, French Resistance fighter, BCRA agent. But I respected him, because he was one of the writers of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

We shared the same stage several times. He was in his 90’s, but every time he saw me he not only recognized me, he recollected almost every big things that happened in my life. I was so lucky to get his sympathy, support and solidarity.

We last spoke over the phone in October, last year. He told me he was a bit weak because of a recent heart attack, but sure he would soon get his strength back and continue to fight for human rights. He said, ‘it is our fight, Taslima.’ I was worried about his health. He was never worried about it, he was rather worried about inequalities and injustices, he was worried about violation of human rights around the world.

Stéphane Hessel, one of the greatest humanists of our times died yesterday. Let’s read again The Universal Declaration of Human Rights that he co-authored.

Stéphane Hessel changed the world.
My salute to Him!