PRESS RELEASE

Front Line Defenders welcomes 145 human rights defenders from 95 countries to Dublin for 7th Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders

Today the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore TD, joined Front Line Defenders in Dublin Castle for the formal opening of the 7th Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders.

In his key-note address to the 145 human rights defenders who had travelled from 95 countries to attend the Dublin Platform, Mr Gilmore emphasised the important role of human rights defenders, whose work is vital to the creation of more just and equal societies. He also reiterated the Irish Government’s commitment to continue working for the security and protection of human rights defenders at risk .

Speaking at the opening session, Front Line Defenders founder and Executive Director, Mary Lawlor said, “Human rights defenders painstakingly and relentlessly fight injustice with determination mixed with hope. Their work is legitimate, their spirit and resilience unshakable and they are entitled to state protection against attack.”

All of the human rights defenders taking part in the Dublin Platform have been invited because of the risks they face as a result of their peaceful work defending the rights of others.

Speaking from Dublin, Macedonian human rights defender, Kocho Andonovski said, “To be a human rights defender is to make a choice between standing up for what is right and defending the rights of others, or passively accepting that there is no other way. Being here with 145 other human rights defenders from every corner of the globe, all of whom face very similar risks, reminds me of the rightness of our cause. When you see the energy and the commitment of the people in this room, then there is a real cause for optimism for the future.” The Dublin Platform provides a unique opportunity and a safe space in which human rights defenders, many of whom can not speak freely in their own country, can share experiences, learn from each other and come up with new and more effective strategies for their security and protection.

Denis O’Brien, Chairman and co-founder of Front Line Defenders, said “it is a great joy, indeed a privilege, for me to welcome you all today to the 7th Dublin Platform. The Dublin Platform is a celebration of courage, of brave people, people like you, who persist in fighting the good fight, despite the odds stacked against you.”

This year’s Dublin Platform will include a focus on digital security with one day of training followed by one-to-one digital security clinics. There will also be sessions on the specific risks faced by women human rights defenders and security and protection for those working in the context of armed conflict.