New York: Front Line and the American Ireland Fund launch Friends of Front Line USA

On January 30 Front Line, with the support of the American Ireland Fund, launched an exciting new initiative, Friends of Front Line USA in New York .The event hosted by Brian Jacobs, was attended by more than 100 guests. Friends of Front Line will work to build a constituency of committed supporters who will help to build awareness of Front Line's efforts to protect human rights defenders whose vital work for human rights puts them in danger.

Further Information

Posted 05/02/2008 During the evening Brian Jacobs spoke movingly about his involvement with Front Line and how much impact the organisation has had on him. He asked the guests to consider how important it is to get involved in a cause that protects the lives of people of immense courage who stand up for human dignity.

Guests then heard from Mary Lawlor, Director of Front Line, who highlighted the organisation’s central message that to protect one is to empower a thousand. She outlined what we hope Friends of Front Line will achieve. “In the next few years we hope to strengthen our capacity to work on the ground with human rights defenders. In the United States we want to build a stronger constituency, to act in support of human rights defenders, who understand the risks they face and why it is important to take international action on their behalf” said Ms Lawlor.

Loretta Brennan Glucksman Chair of the Ireland Funds also spoke and thanked everyone for being there to learn about the laudable work of Front Line.

A message from former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, highlighted the importance of Front Line’s work worldwide and the fragility of human rights in so many parts of the world.

Brian Jacobs closed the speaking portion with a challenge pledging to match the first $10,000 raised for Front Line. The Friends of Front Line USA will promote the organisation in America and emphasise the bravery of human rights defenders.

For further information and to become a Friend of Front Line please contact Charlie Lamson at: charlie@frontlnedefenders.org

To view more photographs of the Launch of Friends of Front Line USA please link to:

Friends of Front Line USA