Human rights supporters from around the world welcomed the launch of the first international organisation to protect human rights defenders in Dublin yesterday.
Front Line was set up by the former director of Amnesty International Irish Section, Ms Mary Lawlor, with the backing of entrepreneur Mr Denis O'Brien. At a reception in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Pierre Sane, secretary-general of Amnesty International and a trustee of the foundation, said this organisation would "definitely put Dublin on the international map of human rights".
Ms Lawlor established the foundation to defend the people who defend human rights in a non-violent way.
The organisation will start immediately compiling a list of "defenders" most at risk. It plans to provide practical protection, with a 24-hour helpline and other technological supports for defenders.
In a statement yesterday the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, congratulated what he called "another milestone in the history of Irish involvement in the protection and promotion of human rights". Mr Denis O'Brien said: "The reason I'm interested in human rights is because from a very young age my mother used to go on protests. We used to think our mother was a little bit mad. But with the years I've discovered how right she was." Mr O'Brien was instrumental in setting up Front Line, contributing £2.59 million.