Liu Xiaobo bust to be dedicated at the University of Galway

The unveiling will take place on 11 September, at 11:00 AM at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway, University Road, Galway in the presence of Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Centre, Bill Shipsey, Founder and Director of Art for Human Rights and Fengsuo Zhou, Director of HRIC – a friend of Liu Xiaobo and a fellow student leader during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 – and several leaders of other international human rights organisations. It will be followed by a presentation and a discussion with ICHR students and staff at the Aula Maxima (the Quadrangle) at 11:45 AM.

The artwork, by Czech sculptor Marie Šeborová, is the first bronze bust of the late Nobel Prize Laureate, poet and human rights defender to be placed on a university campus anywhere in the world. The project was conducted in partnership with the organisations ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship, Front Line Defenders, International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and Humanitarian China.

Welcoming the gift of the bust, Siobhán Mullally said: ‘We are honoured to participate in this project to honour Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo. Liu Xiaobo’s lifelong commitment to the pursuit of human rights and democracy, and his remarkable courage in the face of adversity, exemplify the values and purpose of the Irish Centre for Human Rights. As a human rights defender, Liu Xiaobo devoted his life to the struggle for freedom and equality, challenging the everyday denials of justice, and abuses of State power. It is fitting that we honour him here today, where students, alumni and staff commit daily to the pursuit of a more just world.’

President of the University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: ‘The University of Galway has a long history of recognising the contributions of those whose life’s work and focus is on human rights – from Nelson Mandela being awarded an honorary degree from the National University of Ireland at our campus; to our university bestowing an honorary degree on John Hume. Our graduates include Michael D Higgins, Shawan Jabarin and many other extraordinary and ordinary people who make a difference every day for human rights. It is a powerful symbol that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo is recognised at the Irish Centre for Human Rights as a constant inspiration to our students, our researchers and academics, our staff and alumni.’

Fengsuo Zhou of Human Rights in China said: ‘I had the honour of standing alongside Liu Xiaobo on Tiananmen Square and later sharing prison time with him in high security Qincheng Prison. He passed away while still in incarceration, without ever receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. From the Tiananmen protests to Charter 08, and ultimately to his martyrdom in 2017, he has symbolised the peaceful struggle for freedom and democracy in China. We honour his memory by erecting a statue in his name. His legacy continues to inspire us all.’

Speaking about the forthcoming unveiling event, Bill Shipsey of Art for Human Rights said: ‘The Chinese Communist Party has tried to erase Liu Xiaobo’s memory since his death in a military hospital in China in 2017. But his words will outlast those of any autocratic leader and will be remembered and cherished by freedom-loving and human rights-respecting people everywhere. Say his name ‘Liu Xiaobo’. Art outlasts tyranny.’

In March 2024, ISHR and its partners unveiled a similar work of art in Geneva portraying Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli, which was also created by Czech sculptor Marie Šeborová: visit our campaign page to learn more.