Peter Benenson

“The candle burns not for us, but for all those whom we failed to rescue from prison, who were shot on the way to prison, who were tortured, who were kidnapped, who 'disappeared'. That's what the candle is for.”

“The newspaper reader feels a sickening sense of impotence. Yet if these feelings of disgust all over the world could be united into common action, something effective could be done.”

“Once the concentration camps and the torture chambers were opened, the day of human rights was born.”

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

“Open your newspaper any day of the week and you will find a report from somewhere in the world of someone being imprisoned, tortured or executed because his opinions or religion are unacceptable to his government.”

“Only when the last prisoner of conscience is free, will our work be done.”

“Pressure of opinion a hundred years ago brought about the emancipation of the slaves. It is now for man to insist upon the same freedom for his mind as he has won for his body.”

“Those who today still feel a sense of impotence can do something about it. They can support the fight for freedom as generously as they can. They can join Amnesty International. They can help us light a candle.”