Mart Laar Former Estonian prime minister Mart Laar tells us about his personal experience fighting for human rights and democracy in his country. Laar grew up under Soviet occupation where the Estonian language and culture was repressed and where, for a long time, the world did not seem to care what was happening. The repression was harsh, brutal, and deadly - the Soviets built a system based on fear in order to stop Estonians from gathering and standing up for their rights. The Estonians felt alone and had little hope.

About

Mart Laar is an Estonian statesman, author, historian, and founding member of the Foundation for the Investigation of Communist Crimes. Laar was one of the leaders of Estonia’s “singing revolution," a peaceful – and successful – four-year struggle for freedom centered on the public performance of illegal patriotic songs during the Soviet occupation. He was the prime minister of the country from 1992 to 1994 and from 1999 to 2002. Laar's dedication to progress and economic freedom has allowed the former communist state to develop into one of the most dynamic economies in the world and rank in the top ten of the Economic Freedom of the World index. Many credit Laar for leading Estonia through economic reforms that won widespread praise and ultimately laid the groundwork for acceptance to the European Union. His most recent political endeavor was to advocate for Georgia during its 2008 territorial dispute with Russia, when he signed a petition in favor of the peaceful withdrawal of Russian forces. His book, War in the Woods: Estonia's Struggle for Survival 1944–1956, was the first chronicle of the Estonian resistance against Soviet occupation.

In his presentation, Laar teaches us the two key things that changed this situation: First, the international community began to recognize the harm being done in Estonia and placed pressure and sanctions on the Soviet occupiers. Much of the world pledged solidarity and watched to make sure that the Soviets did not use violence. Two, the Estonians dared to dream. They did not argue about what was possible and what was not - they instead spoke up and between 1987 and 1990 thousands gathered peacefully in the streets and sang songs for independence. This was the Singing Revolution - the Estonian miracle.

Traditional wisdom dictates that we cannot walk on water. However, Laar's experience shows that if we are fast enough, brave enough, and we do not realize that it is impossible, we can do it. Thus he has hope for other repressed peoples around the world, such as the Uyghurs. If they can convince the international community to protest their suffering and if they dare to dream, they can find freedom.