Human rights defenders deserve Nobel Prize: Faculty

A campaign to have this year’s Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the world’s human rights defenders has won the backing of the Faculty of Advocates.

Faculty's Human Rights & Rule of Law Committee is among the 200 signatories to a letter by Peace Brigades International, a non-governmental organisation which supports human rights and promotes non-violence, to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, nominating the global community of human rights defenders for the prize.

The letter claims the prize would mark a milestone in recognising human rights defenders and celebrating "their commitment to advocating for and building societies that are peaceful, safe, inclusive, tolerant, just and sustainable for all".

It quotes the late former Secretary-General to the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who said: "To stand up for human rights requires courage, perseverance, vigilance and a strong foundation of knowledge and evidence. We need to be vigilant in the protection of human rights defenders, for when the defenders’ rights are violated, all our rights are injured."

But, it continues, "Despite this recognition and respect at the highest levels of the international community, human rights defenders are killed every day. Human rights defenders who suffer disproportionately are those activists working at grassroots and community levels, in isolated regions and from marginalised populations, who lack networks and resources to command international attention. Human rights defenders can be community leaders, lawyers, journalists, environmental activists, victims of abuse, trade unionists and teachers."

Committee convener Shelagh McCall QC said: "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, yet since then over 3,000 people working to promote and protect fundamental rights have been killed. Others routinely face violence, intimidation and harassment simply because they are speaking up for human rights.

"In Scotland, while of course we do not face the threat of death or persecution, we stand in solidarity with those around the world who do. As Kofi Annan put it, ‘when defenders’ rights are violated, all our rights are injured.’ For that reason, we support Peace Brigades International’s nomination of the global community of human rights defenders for the Nobel Peace Prize."

Click here to access the letter. A petition to support the campaign is available at the same page.