Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD, on the Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

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Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD, on the Occasion of the 10^{th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders}

"To coincide with events organised in Ireland by Front Line to mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, I am pleased to issue a statement to mark this significant milestone.

The 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders offers us the opportunity to renew our support for this important document. The adoption of the text in 1998 was the culmination of years of negotiations and the final result was a strong, useful and pragmatic text. The Declaration is not just addressed to States and to human rights defenders, but also reminds us that we all have a role to play in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Declaration also acknowledges a core truth – that the realisation of human rights for all cannot occur without the dedication and commitment of individual human rights defenders. It is this brave group that lies at the core of Front Line’s valuable work. In providing vital support and assistance to those who work in defense of human rights, Front Line works in the true spirit of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. This solidarity has made Front Line one of the most successful and respected international human rights organisations working today.

The Irish Government has for many years now acknowledged the key role played by human rights defenders and has placed support for defenders at the core of our international human rights policy. We remain opposed to all forms of harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and believe that effective democracy is enhanced by the participation of civil society. The adoption of EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders was one of the key priorities of our Presidency of the European Union in 2004. Ireland has also engaged in the recent process of updating the Guidelines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been pleased to develop a close working relationship with Front Line since its inception, including through the provision of significant financial support by Irish Aid. This engagement has contributed to a strong awareness of the key role of human rights defenders and has allowed us to offer practical and moral support to defenders as they carry out their important work.

This year, and indeed this week, also marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Steeped in moral aspiration and humane values, the Universal Declaration is a living document and its words have been translated into action through the courage and unwavering resilience of human rights defenders and civil society groups around the world. At the core of the Universal Declaration is an emphasis on the rights of the individual. When the Declaration was drafted in 1948 this was a fundamental shift from the focus up to that point on State sovereignty. The veil of the State was lifted so that the situation of individual citizens could be observed. This focus on the individual is at the core of Front Line’s work, which emphasises that human rights apply to all people, regardless of borders, regimes or traditions. In remembering the important texts that provide such a useful legal and moral framework for our work promoting and protecting human rights, we must never lose sight of the individuals whose stories lie behind our endeavours."

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Press Office

8 December 2008