Only if we face up to our past can we regain our credibility. If we pretend that our trust is greater than it is, we will be like someone who tries to patch over a crack.

There will be no future without forgiveness. Any process of peace is bound to collapse if this is missing. There is no way peace and stability can come through the gun of vengeance.

The destruction of the earth’s environment is the human rights challenge of our time.

Every situation of justice is an occasion where someone is being humiliated and they want to restore their dignity.

We must not allow ourselves to become like the system we oppose.

Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human.... you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, 'My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours.' We belong in a bundle of life.

To be impartial... is indeed to have taken sides already... with the status quo.