Immaculée Birhaheka Democratic Republic of Congo
	"The constant harassment of human rights defenders in a country supposedly in transition to democracy is indicative of bad governance."

Winner of the 2000 Martin Ennals Award
for Human Rights Defenders

English
Français

In a moving ceremony during the North-South Media Festival in Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson handed the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders (MEA) to Immaculée Birhaheka on 13 April 2000, Director of the women's organisation, PAIF (Promotion and Support of Women's Initiatives), based in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"I have a real sense of the need for the kind of commitment Immaculée Birhaheka has shown, and I know from our offices in Kinshasa and in Goma how important that work is and how much we want to support her in what she does," said Mary Robinson. She recalled her emotion when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders passed in December 1998, but she added, "we all knew that was not enough, and that a practical measure is now needed to ensure that human rights defenders have adequate protection and support in their work. I hope that the step will be taken for a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders." Roberto Garreton, UN Special Representative for the DRC, equally expressed his admiration and stated: "This distinction [MEA] is one of the highest in recognition of your work".

"We will continue to struggle, in the name of humanity, until the last drop of our blood", said Immaculée Birhaheka in her acceptance speech, where she dedicated the Award to all human rights defenders of the DRC (in the country and in exile), as well as to the women and youth. "The constant harassment of human rights defenders in a country supposedly in transition to democracy is indicative of bad governance." On 16 January, she was arrested and held in military detention where she was humiliated and beaten. "It is high time that human rights defenders around the world, because of their brave work, benefit from a special protection" she added, asking this year's UN Commission on Human Rights to finally create a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.

The Martin Ennals Foundation hopes that through the encouragement, recognition, and publicity of the MEA, Ms. Birhaheka will benefit from protection against the potential harassment she faces upon return home. Immaculée's case demonstrates the need for the urgent adoption of a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.