Front Line Defenders

Front Line Defenders (FLD) is an international human rights organization dedicated to protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) who are at risk. Founded in Dublin in 2001, FLD works to improve the security and protection of HRDs globally who are threatened or harassed due to their peaceful and legitimate human rights work. They achieve this through various initiatives including grants, capacity building, visibility, networking, and advocacy, all aimed at empowering HRDs to continue their vital work.

FLD is a respected organization, having been recognized with the 2018 United Nations Human Rights Prize and the 2007 King Baudouin International Development Prize. They have a strong presence internationally, maintaining headquarters in Dublin, an EU office in Brussels, and regional staff in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East. Their work is crucial in safeguarding the rights of those who advocate for human rights, ensuring that voices challenging injustice and inequality can be heard and protected.

Front Line Defenders provides comprehensive support and benefits to human rights defenders. This includes financial assistance through grants, capacity building and resource materials on holistic security and protection, opportunities for networking and exchange, and wellbeing opportunities like the "Rest and Respite" program for human rights defenders dealing with extreme stress. They also have a 24-hour emergency phone line in several languages, offering immediate support and resources in critical situations.

Front Line Defenders is an international human rights organization committed to protecting human rights defenders who are at risk due to their peaceful and legitimate work. They provide support through grants, capacity building, visibility, networking, and advocacy at the international, regional, and local levels. Their mission is to enable and support the protection of human rights defenders who are facing risks for their work, aiming to strengthen international and regional measures to protect these individuals.

Front Line Defenders promotes a culture deeply rooted in respect for human rights defenders and their work. They emphasize the importance of listening to and understanding the unique challenges faced by these individuals, while demonstrating humility in their support. The organization values perseverance and seeks creative solutions for the protection of those who are at risk, often working collaboratively with other human rights organizations and advocating for stronger international and regional measures to safeguard human rights defenders globally.