Human rights defender

Human rights defender is a term used to describe people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights. Human rights defenders, (HRDs) are those women and men who act peacefully for the promotion and protection of those rights.

Declaration on Human rights defenders

The United Nations adopted the Declaration on the right and responsibility of individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms December 9, 1998. It marks a historic achievement in the struggle toward better protection of those at risk for carrying out legitimate human rights activities and is the first UN instrument that recognizes the importance and legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders, as well as their need for better protection.

Awards for Human rights defenders

• The Martin Ennals Award, a collaboration of several Human Rights NGOs. Martin Ennals was a legendary Human rights defender. The winners of the award are: Akbar Ganji, Arnold Tsunga, Aktham Naisse, Lida Yusupova, Alirio Uribe Muñoz, Jacqueline Moudeina, Peace Brigades International, Immaculée Birhaheka, Natasha Kandic, Dr. Eyad El Sarraj, Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, Clement Nwankwo, Asma Jahangir, and Harry Wu. Its secretariat is located at the OMCT office in Geneva.
• The Human Rights Defender Award is the highest award of Human Rights Watch.

Links

• UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
• Front Line: The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders at Risk
• http://web.amnesty.org/pages/hrd-index-eng
• Martin Ennals Award
• The Human rights defenders programme of the OMCT