The Dublin Platform

Fourth Dublin Platform Participants

Every two years Front Line hosts "The Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders." This event provides a truly unique opportunity for human rights defenders at-risk, from every corner of the world, to come together to share experiences, learn from one another, discuss relevant issues and engage with decision makers from governmental and intergovernmental bodies. It is also a space where human rights defenders can speak openly and freely without fear of intimidation or arrest and a chance for them to escape from the relentless pressures under which they work in their everyday lives.As part of each Dublin Platform, Front Line works with participants to coordinate panel discussions, defender testimonies, presentations and working groups to address the most pressing issues of security and protection which impact the daily lives of human rights defenders.

“'For me to be here in Dublin is wonderful, because I see that I am not on my own to fight for human rights'” HRD Russia (2005)

As part of each Dublin Platform, Front Line works with all of the participants to coordinate panel discussions, defender testimonies, presentations and working groups to address the most pressing security and protection issues facing human rights defenders in their daily lives. Each year considerable focus is given to methods of strengthening the mechanisms of protection, engaging the international community, holding perpetrators accountable and providing support to those under attack.

“'I have slept well here in Dublin when often at home I do not sleep – because I have shared the experience of others, and others have shared mine'”HRD Zimbabwe (2007)

To date, the four Dublin Platforms in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 have each brought together more than 100 human rights defenders from over 70 countries around the world.

The Fifth Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders is due to take place in February 2010.