As our colleague Alan Greenblatt writes:
"There's nothing like a Nobel Peace Prize to focus the world's attention on human-rights abuses.
"China's authoritarian government did not allow this year's laureate, writer and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo, to leave prison and travel to Oslo to collect his prize Friday. Instead, an empty chair at the ceremony in Norway will represent the 54-year-old Liu."
That ceremony is now under way. The Nobel committee is streaming it here.
The White House has released this statement from last year's honoree — President Obama:
"One year ago, I was humbled to receive the Nobel Peace Prize – an award that speaks to our highest aspirations, and that has been claimed by giants of history and courageous advocates who have sacrificed for freedom and justice. Mr. Liu Xiaobo is far more deserving of this award than I was.
"All of us have a responsibility to build a just peace that recognizes the inherent rights and dignity of human beings — a truth upheld within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In our own lives, our own countries, and in the world, the pursuit of a just peace remains incomplete, even as we strive for progress.
"This past year saw the release of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, even as the Burmese people continue to be denied the democracy that they deserve. Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos Horta has continued his tireless work to build a free and prosperous East Timor, having made the transition from dissident to President. And this past year saw the retirement of Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, whose own career demonstrates the universal power of freedom and justice to overcome extraordinary obstacles.
"The rights of human beings are universal — they do not belong to one nation, region or faith. America respects the unique culture and traditions of different countries. We respect China’s extraordinary accomplishment in lifting millions out of poverty, and believe that human rights include the dignity that comes with freedom from want. But Mr. Liu reminds us that human dignity also depends upon the advance of democracy, open society, and the rule of law. The values he espouses are universal, his struggle is peaceful, and he should be released as soon as possible.
"I regret that Mr. Liu and his wife were denied the opportunity to attend the ceremony that Michelle and I attended last year. Today, on what is also International Human Rights Day, we should redouble our efforts to advance universal values for all human beings."
