Front Line names five human rights defenders in running for 2010 award

FIVE HUMAN rights defenders from India, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Mexico and western Sahara have been nominated for the 2010 Front Line Award.

The annual award is given to a human rights defender who has made an outstanding contribution to the defence of the rights of others, at great personal risk.

Front Line, founded in Dublin in 2001, is the international foundation for the protection of human rights defenders. The fact that four of this year’s nominees are women was highlighted by broadcaster Rodney Rice.

Fianna Fáil’s Mary O’Rourke read the citation for Pelagia Razemba from Zimbabwe and described her as a “formidable woman”. She is a senior figure in the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association and focuses on marginalised groups. She has been targeted for attack by Zanu PF officials.

Labour’s Jan O’Sullivan read the citation for Mexican human rights lawyer Lucha Castro. She campaigns on women’s rights issues and represents families of murdered women in Chihuahua.

Ms O’Sullivan quoted Ms Castro, who said living in Chihuahua was dangerous. “Being a woman and lawyer triples the risk. Being a woman, lawyer and human rights defender makes you a survivor.”

Labour’s Ruairí Quinn put forward the case for Dr Soraya Rahim Sobhrang, commissioner for women’s rights at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. She campaigns against the practice of all-male tribal councils deciding the fate of women in legal cases in many rural areas. He said Dr Sobhrang lived under threat from the Taliban and other conservative elements there.

Fianna Fáil’s Tom Kitt said the case of Aminatou Haidar from western Sahara had been raised in the Dáil after she went on hunger strike. She had refused to indicate her nationality as Moroccan after she was detained by Moroccan authorities on her return from the US where she had received a human rights award. She is a Saharawi women’s rights defender.

The case for the sole male nominee, Ajeet Singh from India, was put forward by Fine Gael’s Simon Coveney. Mr Singh is the president of Guria, a human rights organisation fighting against the sexual exploitation of women and girls.

Front Line director Mary Lawlor said the nominees “show exceptional courage in the face of threats, intimidation and the constant risk of assassination”.

The overall winner will be announced in Dublin next month.