Front Line Emergency Support

Emergency Support

Front Line seeks to provide 24 hour support to human rights defenders at immediate risk. Our emergency number can be contacted at any hour on (+353 1 21 00 489)

The service gives human rights defenders an option to be forwarded to someone speaking Arabic, English, French, Russian or Spanish who will be able to mobilise rapid international support and action in the event of an emergency.

Urgent action can include faxed or phoned appeals to the relevant authorities, raising the case through the EU or individual Government representatives, practical help with temporary relocation, assistance with medical or legal expenses.

Front Line Advocacy:

Front Line is always guided by the wishes of the human rights defender when taking any action. The defender and/or their family members or colleagues are best placed to decide what type of action is most likely to be effective in their specific context.

In most cases expressions of international concern are perceived to have a beneficial effect. Human Rights Defenders often report that even where such concern does not lead to an immediate solution it can result in better treatment because the authorities know that someone is following what is happening with the case. Torture and ill treatment are most likely to occur in the first days of detention so speedy action can be very important. However, where human rights defenders believe publicity or international attention could be counterproductive, Front Line will be guided by the wishes of the human rights defenders on the ground.

Expressions of international concern and questions about what is happening with a case can also have a long term preventive effect. Human rights defenders report that the authorities are often less likely to repeat the repressive measures if they know they are likely to provoke a reaction. International action can also give moral support and solidarity to human rights defenders and encourages them to continue their work.