When Nick passed away on 26 January 2010 the world lost the physical presence of one of the finest, most courageous and dedicated human rights defenders that we have ever experienced. Nick had the extraordinary gift of communicating clearly the opportunities and spirit of human rights from a profound practical and intellectual understanding. Even under tough political, monetary or, more recently, physical challenges Nick would never lose sight of the target for his life endeavour - the human beings whose dignity are challenged.
When Nick passed on I lost the presence of a good and dear friend. Nick will stay in spirit and I will always benefit from recalling the advice that Nick gave me over the years; appreciating that our work on human rights and business was merely a fraction of Nick's enormous contributions.
On behalf of my colleagues at the Danish Institute for Human Rights I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Nick's wonderful family, thanking them for enabling Nick to burn his bright light to the benefit of all. Be proud that your husband and father left this world with an impact that reaches well beyond his enormous professional production and deeds. He has inspired and will continue to inspire thousands.
Sune Skadegaard Thorsen
Chair, the Danish Institute for Human Rights
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