Youth Leading the Way: The Hope Found in Young Human Rights Defenders

Invited by the Unesco Chair in Human Rights, Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, highlighted the vital role of human rights defenders, especially young activists, in addressing global challenges and conflicts. Her message for a strategy of optimism, directed at an audience of NGOs and students of the University of Luxembourg, inspired the next generations of advocates.

“Human rights defenders are individuals with a spirit of activism who peacefully protect human rights. They are present in every society, and it is our responsibility to support them and celebrate their achievements“, stated Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, as she opened the round table hosted by the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights this morning at the University of Luxembourg.

As the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Mary Lawlor is the defender of the defenders. This role, established in 2000 by the Human Rights Commission, aims to protect those that are too often considered as threats by corporations or governments. “My responsibility is to act as a bridge between Human Right Defenders and government”, she explained.

Mary Lawlor highlighted that human rights defenders are not only vital in conflict zones. “Climate change will lead to massive human rights violations, affecting most those who are already marginalized”, she stated. Closer to us, “We see violent arrests of Human Rights Defenders during protests in countries such as France or Germany. Some countries tend to associate human rights protest with terrorism because it is an easy label”, added Lawlor.

In a world troubled by wars, gender violence, poverty, and the climate crisis, there are many reasons for concern. However, the Special Rapporteur advocated for a strategy of optimism explaining that “human rights defenders bring hope to their communities. It is their victories, no matter how big or small, that keep them going. You must measure success from a people’s perspective. Sometimes getting a defender to be moved to a cell with a television and access to books is a victory. It doesn’t seem much, but it is when you know the person will have to spend 15 years in prison”. Lawlor also expressed her belief in the younger generation’s potential, a priority in her mandate. “Young human rights defenders are actively engaged across various issues, far beyond climate activism. Everyone has the power to stand up against injustice, mobilise their communities, educate and take action.” This message deeply resonated with the Master in European Governance students present at the event.

To go further:

Five Luxembourg NGOs active in the domain of Human Rights defenders, the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights, and Espace Cultures at the University of Luxembourg present a series of fifteen poignant testimonial portraits of Human Rights defenders on the ground floor of the Maison du Savoir. The exhibition, open until the 20th of November, further provides a more general overview of the global situation of human rights defenders, includes information on the United Nations framework, and opens possible avenues of civic engagement here in Luxembourg for supporting human rights defenders.