Definition of HRDs for MEA purposes

On 13 October 2005, the Board agreed by consensus on the definition of a human rights defender, for the purposes of the MEA:

“For the purpose of selecting candidates for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, the Jury consider an eligible human rights defender (HRD) to be one who risks or suffers victimisation, harassment or disadvantage for exercising the rights expressed in the International Bill of Rights*, and who, in conformity with these instruments, promotes and protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, individually or in groups.”

*Bill of Rights: Universal Declaration of Human Rights; International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights; and on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.