Chomsky to give Belfast festival lecture

World famous philosopher Noam Chomsky is to visit Belfast later this year to deliver a lecture on human rights, Amnesty international announced today.

The American author, linguist and political activist will give the organisation’s annual lecture at the Queen’s festival at the end of October.

The talk will touch on areas examined in the liberal philosopher’s forthcoming book ’Hopes and Prospects’ – which focuses on social struggles in Latin America and the rise of grassroots campaigning for President Obama in the US.

Ahead of his visit, Mr Chomsky said: “The UK has seen recently what other states have experienced countless times before – that their political and economic leaders can’t be trusted to do what’s right.

“Activism is growing all over the world and ordinary people are realising that they can be agents for change. For years, Amnesty has been mobilising people to stand up for justice and I’m delighted to be giving their lecture in Belfast.”

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International Northern Ireland Director, said it was fantastic to have someone of Mr Chomsky’s standing to deliver their lecture.

“We hope his rallying call will get more Northern Ireland people involved in human rights campaigning on issues from Afghanistan to Burma, and from China to the United States,” he said.

“That’s what Amnesty does and that’s how we can help people to take a stand on issues we feel strongly about.”

Graeme Farrow, director of the Ulster Bank sponsored festival, said: “The Festival is proud of its relationship with Amnesty International and this headline event will only serve to strengthen those bonds.

“We discuss a shortlist of speakers with Amnesty each year and I think that Noam Chomsky has been at the top of it since we started working together. This Amnesty Lecture will be particularly popular with Festival supporters.

“Indeed, it may turn out to be the fastest-selling speaker event in the Festival’s history, such is the interest which Noam Chomsky attracts wherever he goes in the world.”

The Amnesty International Annual Lecture will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 30 October in the Whitla Hall as part of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Tickets are now available from the online box office at www.belfastfestival.com