Executive Summary:
http://www.omct.org/pdf/observatory/2006/obs_report2005_executive_summary_eng.pdf
Full Report:
http://www.omct.org/pdf/observatory/2006/obs_annual_report_2005_eng.pdf
22
March 2006
Steadfast
in Protest
Publication of
the 2005 Annual Report
of the
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
(FIDH/OMCT)
This
publication will be an opportunity to alert the international public opinion on
the situation of these men and women who, in spite of the tremendous risks they
face, persist in denouncing the human rights violations they have witnessed.
The
report presents the situation of 1,172 human rights defenders oppressed, as well
as obstacles to freedom of association in nearly 90
countries.
“The
strength of human rights defenders stems from their faith in their fight, their
perseverance, and their solidarity beyond borders […]. The Observatory [for the
Protection of Human Rights Defenders] is an indispensable link in ensuring that
the international community never forgets the men and women who are fighting to
defend our rights”.
Louise
Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
and
author of the foreword of the Report
+++
A
message from Shirin Ebadi
Nobel
Peace Prize Winner 2003
On
the occasion of the presentation of the 2005 Annual Report of the Observatory
for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
(FIDH/OMCT).
I
wished to issue a message on the occasion of the publication of the Annual
Report of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights
Defenders.
This
report is a result of the programme led by the FIDH (International Federation
for Human Rights) and the OMCT (World Organisation against Torture). It once
more paints a bleak picture of the defence of universal rights as a high-risk
activity in nearly one hundred States.
The
overall picture presented in this 2005 report reflects a worldwide human rights
situation that is sadly becoming harder. It is clear that arbitrary policies are
gaining ground. It is urgent and of international importance to mobilise for the
respect of the freedom of expression and of association, on which human rights
defenders base their actions daily. I congratulate the FIDH and the OMCT for
being at the forefront of this combat.
Mobilization
pays off : in Iran my friend and colleague Soltani, a lawyer and human rights
activist, was freed last Sunday after seven months in prison. But the real
situation in my country is of great concern. For example, Gandji, a human rights
defender and journalist, is held in arbitrary detention for the sixth
consecutive year. And the NGO that we created, the Defenders of Human Rights
Centre in Iran, has still not been officially recognised.
All
the attention that will be given to the current Observatory Annual Report will
directly help the cause of defenders throughout the world who are punished for
the sole reason that they call for the respect for universal human
rights.
It
was important for me to stress this today.
Shirin
Ebadi.
+++
These
interviews of human rights defenders have been carried out during the year 2005.
In spite of the diversity of the situations met in their countries, these
testimonies show how complex the task of these defenders is, and how dangerous
it can often prove to be for themselves, their families, or their
relatives.
Please
find below the links towards:
-
The executive summary:
http://www.omct.org/pdf/observatory/2006/obs_report2005_executive_summary_eng.pdf
- The full report:
http://www.omct.org/pdf/observatory/2006/obs_annual_report_2005_eng.pdf