Hill Advocates Minority Rights

The surest measure of a country's freedom is the security enjoyed by its minorities. Irish human-rights activist Paul Hill said last night at an honorary dinner sponsored by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations and the Irish Cultural and Historical Society (ICHS) at Eliot House.

Members of the Harvard community and the public flocked to the Eliot House library for a reception prior to the dinner to great Hill, whose life story inspired the film In the Name of the Father.

"I've never seen a famous bloke before," said Lorcan J. Carpenter '99, who is from Ireland. Others were skeptical of Hill's celebrity.

"I just want to hear what he says," said Laura A. Coleman '99, another Irish student. "He was in the IRA. He's been picked up many times before; he should still be in prison. When I was telling my parents that I was going to see Hill, they were disgusted."

Hill, accompanied by his wife Courtney Kennedy Hill and mother-in-law Ethel Kennedy, window of Robert E. Kennedy '48, was thronged by the crowd of about 100. Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves '72 was among those attending.

"It's always nice to come back," said Ethel Kennedy. "This is such a moving celebration for Paul. I'm thrilled for him."

Director of the Harvard Foundation S. Allen Counter delivered opening remarks at the dinner, celebrating Hill's "life work and dedication" to the advocacy of human rights. Joining Counter in his greetings were Eliot House Master Steve Mitchell and Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68.

Student leaders expressed respect and admiration for Hill. "We really just want you to know that you stand as a guiding light for us," said ICHS President Carmen M. O'Shea '97. "You've reached many different cultures developing human rights around the world. Your belief in fairness and justice the world over is truly an inspiration to us, Mr. Hill."

"Mr. Paul Hill is a shining example of how an individual can make a difference," said Taziona G. Chaponda '97, Harvard Foundation Student Advisory Committee co-chair.

Hill, who was arrested with three others in 1974 for his alleged involvement in the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings, was brutally interrogated and repeatedly beaten by British authorities. As a result of fabricated evidence, Hill was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release at the age of 20. Hill spent 15 years in prison, five of them in solitary confinement. In April, 1994, after a lengthy court battle, he was exonerated of all charges.

Hill was presented with a plaque of recognition by Counter and University Marshal Richard Hunt.

In his acceptance speech, Hill appealed to Harvard undergraduates to remember those less fortunate.

"I am deeply honored to be here," Hill said. "I am very honored to see so many young students here tonight. Things are happening in the world far removed from your privileged situation here. I want you to bear in mind there are many many millions in the world who by virtue of being born into a certain group--ethnic, racial or religious--will never enjoy one tenth of the education you are getting."

Hill spoke out passionately against the continual occupation of his home, Northern Ireland, by the British.

"The British created a martyr system in Ireland," Hill said, recalling an "intense period of horrific bombings carried out by individuals determined to remove the British from Ireland."

Hill recounted his 15-year ordeal in prison and the international campaign launched by family and friends for his release. In 1989, Hill and the three other men imprisoned, known as "the Guildford Four," were released. Hill, however, had to spend the next five years contesting an outstanding murder charge.

Hill also criticized what he deemed ineffective governmental policies that are ostensibly aimed at deterring crime but offer no recourse for those caught in the system. Building more prisons, Hill said, can do no good without simultaneously developing drug rehabilitation centers and community centers.

"There is no creation of a safety net to help the economically dependent," Hill said. "Their only education is a violent one. Their only hope is despair."

In a brief interview, Hill expressed the hope that Harvard students would become "involved with human rights groups" and work for the betterment of others in any way they can--"even if in a very mundane way--writing letters, sending cards," Hill emphasized.

Hill said that he received many letters during his imprisonment, which were "a major help and a motivating force.

"Mr. Paul Hill is a shining example of how an individual can make a difference," said Taziona G. Chaponda '97, Harvard Foundation Student Advisory Committee co-chair.

Hill, who was arrested with three others in 1974 for his alleged involvement in the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings, was brutally interrogated and repeatedly beaten by British authorities. As a result of fabricated evidence, Hill was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release at the age of 20. Hill spent 15 years in prison, five of them in solitary confinement. In April, 1994, after a lengthy court battle, he was exonerated of all charges.

Hill was presented with a plaque of recognition by Counter and University Marshal Richard Hunt.

In his acceptance speech, Hill appealed to Harvard undergraduates to remember those less fortunate.

"I am deeply honored to be here," Hill said. "I am very honored to see so many young students here tonight. Things are happening in the world far removed from your privileged situation here. I want you to bear in mind there are many many millions in the world who by virtue of being born into a certain group--ethnic, racial or religious--will never enjoy one tenth of the education you are getting."

Hill spoke out passionately against the continual occupation of his home, Northern Ireland, by the British.

"The British created a martyr system in Ireland," Hill said, recalling an "intense period of horrific bombings carried out by individuals determined to remove the British from Ireland."

Hill recounted his 15-year ordeal in prison and the international campaign launched by family and friends for his release. In 1989, Hill and the three other men imprisoned, known as "the Guildford Four," were released. Hill, however, had to spend the next five years contesting an outstanding murder charge.

Hill also criticized what he deemed ineffective governmental policies that are ostensibly aimed at deterring crime but offer no recourse for those caught in the system. Building more prisons, Hill said, can do no good without simultaneously developing drug rehabilitation centers and community centers.

"There is no creation of a safety net to help the economically dependent," Hill said. "Their only education is a violent one. Their only hope is despair."

In a brief interview, Hill expressed the hope that Harvard students would become "involved with human rights groups" and work for the betterment of others in any way they can--"even if in a very mundane way--writing letters, sending cards," Hill emphasized.

Hill said that he received many letters during his imprisonment, which were "a major help and a motivating force.