“As human rights lawyers we face a permanent environment of intimidation…. We know that we are followed...This is about confronting enormous injustice and it’s about finding ways... by which people can stand up for their rights. This is the best way to exercise my profession. It’s my vocation.” 

Liliana Uribe, Human Rights Defender, Colombia

With the support of PBI UK’s patrons and Lawyers Advisory Committee, a high profile event was hosted by the law firm Herbert Smith in the City of London to launch the Human Rights Defenders at Risk Fund.

Former Lord Justice and PBI UK patron Sir Henry Brooke chaired the event and Sir Adrian Fulford, a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a High Court Judge in the UK, was our keynote speaker.

The event attracted over 70 members of the legal profession coming from varied solicitors firms and chambers, as well as senior members of the judiciary, who pledged their support to the Fund.

The keynote speaker Sir Adrian Fulford travelled from the Hague to speak about the vital need for protection of human rights lawyers who make it possible to bring cases of human rights abuses before a court of law and provide victims with access to justice. 

The launch of the Fund coincides with the first case of the ICC which is against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, who is alleged to be a rebel who has committed a series of offences related to the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The trial will provide victims and witnesses with the opportunity to have their voices heard for the first time. 

Sir Adrian commended the work of human rights lawyers who represent victims such as child soldiers whose lives have been degraded by violence and would otherwise be denied the opportunity to receive recognition, justice and compensation.  He emphasized the need for the Fund and the role of the entire international community in recognising and supporting the work of human rights defenders. 

Liliana Uribe, a human rights lawyer from Colombia, gave a first hand account of her experiences and the impact of PBI’s protection which has allowed her to continue carrying out investigations into grave abuses, particularly extra-judicial killings.  With the endorsement of well-respected members of the legal community, the event brought greater recognition to the vital role played by human rights defenders in upholding the rule of law and the need for the Fund that will ensure that their protection remains an ongoing priority for those concerned with human rights around the world.