Front Line, an independent foundation working to protect human rights defenders at risk, was founded in Dublin by Mary Lawlor in 2001. Friends of Front Line, is a new initiative to promote the work of Front Line, the international Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. Friends of Front Line was set up in New York in January 2008 with the generous support of Brian Jacobs. Front Line was also very grateful for the support of The American Ireland Fund and of their President Kieran McLoughlin. Human rights defenders are the people with the vision and the courage to change the world and who are at risk on a daily basis because of their legitimate work for the human rights of others. They need our support and protection. In 2007 Front Line was the recipient of the King Baudouin International Prize for Development ‘for the effectiveness of their efforts to combat the isolation faced by human rights defenders around the world, for the support and protection that they offer them, and for their continuing advocacy in favour of an international plan of action for human rights, which is an essential condition for development.’