A Conversation with the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders
The latest episode of the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast features Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders. With nearly 50 years of experience in human rights work, Lawlor has fought tirelessly to protect those at risk for defending justice and equality.
Her career began as a volunteer with Amnesty International, later becoming a fundraiser before serving as its director in Ireland for 12 years. Recognising a gap in protections for human rights defenders, she founded Front Line Defenders in 2001 to support activists under threat worldwide.
In 2020, she was appointed as the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders, where she continues to advocate for those risking their lives to uphold justice, amplifying their voices at the international level.
From the Republic of Conscience and Defending Human Rights
This episode also discusses From The Republic of Conscience, a poem written by Seamus Heaney in 1985 for Amnesty International’s 25th anniversary. The poem highlights the moral responsibility of individuals to uphold human rights, values that align with Lawlor’s lifelong work.
Reflecting on the crucial role of human rights defenders, she explains that those working on the ground are essential to building just societies:
“To me, human rights defenders at risk are the people who help build civil and just society. For them to be in danger because of this work, I thought it was just awful.”
Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Lawlor’s work as UN Special Rapporteur has brought her into direct contact with both triumphs and struggles. She highlights key victories, including a young activist in Botswana, who successfully challenged laws criminalising homosexuality.
At the same time, she acknowledges the significant obstacles faced by activists, particularly the double standards of the West in responding to crises. She points to how human rights defenders see stark inconsistencies in international reactions, where violations condemned in some regions are overlooked in others.
“What wasn’t permitted in Ukraine was permitted in Gaza.”
Despite the difficulties, Lawlor believes that persistence is essential in human rights work:
“In my view, it’s important to persist and resist and do what you can.”
Giving a Platform to Those on the Front Lines
A major part of Lawlor’s mission as UN Rapporteur is ensuring that grassroots human rights defenders have their voices heard. She emphasises that change comes from those closest to the issues:
“They are the people who, in the long run, will have the solutions. They know the culture, the injustice, and where the possibilities are.”
Lawlor encourages everyone to take action, no matter how small, in defending human rights:
“You are not going to solve everything in the world, but there is something everyone can do.”
Listen to the Episode
Discover Mary Lawlor’s inspiring journey and the fight to protect human rights defenders.
Listen to the latest Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast to hear her insights and the stories of those she has worked to protect.
Note to Listeners: This episode includes a discussion on sensitive topics involving harm to infants.
Credits
The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.
This episode was produced by Tony Daly and Catherine Howley. Music by Jump Lead.
Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish Aid.
Show notes:
- Seamus Heaney’s poem From the Republic of Conscience in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition
- Listen to From the Republic of Conscience introduced and read by Vanessa Redgrave
- Read Mary Lawlor’s report on 25 years of achievements by human rights defenders
- (press release) and the report
- Watch Peaceful Assembly & Human Rights Defenders: UN Special Rapporteurs Press Conference
- Read more about:
- Check out Mary Lawlor featured in Irish Women in Activism and Advocacy: In Awe of All Mná
Available on
Explore the posters, games, badges, books and more from the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition online.