I write these words in deep sorrow and in commemoration and solidarity with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones in the devastating tragedy that took place in Norway on July 22. The terrorist attack directed first against the central government buildings in Oslo, and then only an hour later, developed into a systematic massacre of young people at a political summer camp on an island, has left the Norwegian people, first with a tremendous shock and now with deep and collective mourning. And in the middle of this unbelievable violence and sadness, we are moved by the many strong and warm messages of solidarity and empathy from all over the world. We also understand from the news coverage of this tragic event, that it has shaken and saddened a whole world.
The fight against terror has for many years been one of the key issues both at national and international level, and the possibilities for terrorist attacks have very much been related to ongoing wars and ongoing international conflicts. Today, many European countries are involved in wars as part of political coalitions, and how this possibly may influence the risk of terrorist attacks has been frequently discussed. In this discussion, the focus has been on possible terrorist action based on islamistic ideas, or actions related to existing and known terrorist networks.
When the bomb exploded in the centre of Oslo, leaving part of the city, in particular the government buildings, in ruins, injuring a very large number of people and killing at least 7, the first thoughts of so many of us were that Norway had now become the scene of an international terror attack. The fact that the target was the Norwegian political leadership and establishment, strengthened this initial thought.
Then, when the first notices about some shooting was taking place at the island of Utøya, situated in the lake of Tyrifjorden, less than one hour’s drive outside of Oslo, it was hard to believe that this could have anything to do with the Oslo bomb. The minutes and hours following this first notice, and the desperate attempts to reach help and assistance in a situation where the whole nation was focusing on the bomb, represent the ultimate nightmare and will never be forgotten. The afternoon of this Friday in July, turned into a gruesome, violent and systematic attack on unarmed, young people, and the hours that followed from the first information was out till the next morning, will forever represent a deep trauma to all of us. From four youngsters possibly harmed to more than 70 killed, and a very high number physically wounded.
More than 600 politically idealistic young people were gathered at this island that for years has represented one of the most popular and cherished political summer camps in Norway, the place where most young politicians in the Social Democratic Party have participated, where discussions are held high, where political awakening takes place, where the young and aspiring meet the established politicians for discussion and dialogue, and the place for hope and peace. This became the target for what soon became evident, namely the second part of the terror attack. It was a willed and meticulously planned mass-killing.
For each and everyone present that was able to leave the island alive, the consequences are extremely painful and will be for years to come. The questions and the pain related not only to how this could happen, but the sights, the sounds, the fear and the losses, and the thoughts about how oneself was saved, and how one could have helped others etc. will most likely haunt the surviving ones as well as their families and networks for a long time, and as such change a lot of lives in very serious ways.
It soon become clear that the two events in fact were closely linked to each other and that we were dealing with an extremist and mass murderer, who for years had prepared an outrageous action, even involving a direct massacre of young people. And that it was for their idealism, for their efforts to create a just world without racism, a world respecting the international human rights, that they were killed. The hideous crime had as a motive, according to the texts published, to harm and threat the ideals of multiculturalism, of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, of peace and human rights. It was the young carriers of these ideas that he wanted to destroy. And by doing this, also destroying so incredibly many lives, hopes and futures.
Facing this unbelievable tragedy, and a tragedy on so unbelievably many levels, the political leadership of Norway, has, together with the Norwegian people, given room for an emotionally strong mourning process, on a platform of democracy, solidarity and peace. The message is of course that it must never happen again, but that the way to fight this, it is not through higher walls, hate and aggression, but through holding high the ideals that so many have died for. And during the last week all of us who have been in the country, residents and visitors alike, have experienced an incredible serene and sincere mourning, with flags on half masts, with flowers and candles, acts of sorrow, in memory and in respect. And we have witnessed a strong sense of solidarity and anti-racism in this situation. Those who are in charge, despite the fact that their own work places have been bombed to pieces, have managed actively to support and comfort the many suffering, and have given a face to the importance of supporting and strengthening the values under attack.
We have witnessed massive terrorism directly targeting democracy, multiculturalism and human rights. And the whole world has in a vicious way been reminded that the efforts to deal with terrorism must include and take into account the threat represented by ultra right and racist movements, and that the discourse we have seen over the last years demonizing groups, humiliating values and fighting immigration may provide good breading ground for racist motivated terror. It is therefore a tremendous challenge for all of us involved in the work to strengthen and develop human rights and justice, to enforce our efforts against racism and humiliation.
We will again express our gratitude for the solidarity shown in this situation, and let us find strength and motivation together in our shared commitment for human rights, peace and democracy.
