English Language Workshop Report

Identifying practical measures for the protection of Human Rights Defender's “The important thing is to be able to live in a place or a situation where you must use your sixth sense all the time” -Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondeatje

We agreed that each situation is unique and that it is impossible to have a list of measures that apply to all countries. Much depends on what kind of government is in power.

What can Human Rights defenders do for themselves and at National level? • Be in contact 24 hours a day • Mobilise in formation quickly • Let others know where you are going • Do not have a high profile -only go public where necessary • Encourage grassroot groups to speak for themselves • Establish a Human Rights house. Different NGO's under the same roof. Political risk for government of attacking such a house is much higher • Have connection with key government authorities. Know what people you are in contact with. • Contact must always be peaceful and be willing to dialogue • Important to have good lawyers and media friends • Make contact with EU missions. Demand that they implament Human Rights guidelines in your country, the same way as they do in their own country. • Important to know their policy in their own country. • Embassies are political allies. • Important that your work is respected by your national communities. If so, they willl defend you.

International Level: • Have a list of all participants in the conference. When something happens they can write to the president etc. • Tell the people who write the letters what they should say. • Have contact with international network. p.s. Not all alerts are positive. The call attention to the organisation. National organisations at times can handle the problem, • Human Right Defender'smake themselves known to international missions. • United Nations organisations: All their plans should be Human Rights proof. The have the policies on paper. Hold them to it. • Countries with similar situations share their realities. • Embassies invite Human Rights Defender's to celebrate of national holidays. • When Prime Ministers etc., visit countries the embassy invites. Human Rights Defenders so that local authorities see they have support

Problems: • National governments do not take us seriously. • National, International missions won't protect us if they are up against Multi Nationals. • Human rights groups in Jamaica won't defend gay and lesbian activists. • Where do you got to, if govenrment and multi nationals are against you? • Human Rights Counsils won't attend small organisations. • Visa's are denied. • International Community abandoned Somalia. • Human rights defenders in Somalia stay 'friends' with enemies to save lives. • International missions do not answer letters.