The work of Dublin-based human rights organisation Front Line has been honoured with a prestigious international award.
The annual King Baudouin International Development prize acknowledges the work of individuals or organisations involved in the developing world. Worth €150,000, it is named after the late Belgian king.
Front Line works to support and protect human rights workers worldwide, particularly those at risk. It operates in more than 100 countries.
Award judges praised Front Line's workers for "the effectiveness of their efforts to combat the isolation faced by human rights defenders around the world, for the support and protection they afford them and for their continuing advocacy in favour of an international plan of action for human rights, which is an essential condition for development".
Accepting the prize at the Royal Palace in Brussels yesterday, Front Line director Mary Lawlor paid tribute to those her organisation helps.
"In accepting this prize I am deeply conscious of the extraordinary bravery of human rights defenders who get up every day not knowing when or if an attack will come or even if they will be able to return to their families in the evening. It is their bravery in challenging oppression and injustice that inspires us all to dedicate our work to helping them," she said.