Exerpts from speech by
Jacqueline Moudeina
Geneva, April 11th 2002

Press Release in English
Exerpts from Jacqueline's speech
Speaking Notes of Hans Thoolen
Short Report on the 2002 MEA ceremony and follow up
Communiqué de Presse en Français
Discours de Jacqueline Moudeina
Paroles de Cheikh Lô
Emissions sur TV5 à propos de Jacqueline Moudeina
Comunicado de Prensa en Español

"The prompt support that I received from human rights NGOs after the attack of 11 June in Chad, which almost cost me my life, is testimony of the solidarity that exists among human rights defenders (HRDs). I will forever remain grateful to them. The love they extended to me is far greater than all the pains I have endured. I consider the Martin Ennals Award (MEA) a victory for the Chadian human rights NGOs, in particular for the ATPDH. I want to extend my appreciation to the ten organisations on the jury of the MEA."

"More than ever HRDs are qualified as enemies of the state…. The situation of HRDs is further aggravated by the tragic events of 11 September 2001. The terrorist attacks committed on American soil against innocent civilians cannot be justified. And it is important to judge the perpetrators in a fair trial. But let me add that the security-oriented response through the International Coalition against Terrorism goes overboard and leads to human rights violations…."

"Still, in spite of the growing repression against HRDs, one must retain the advances made and successes obtained. The very fact that in certain countries HRDs have to pay a heavy price is evidence of the impact of their actions and the fear that they install in dictators. It is by breaking the silence that civil society will impose its demands for peace and respect for fundamental human rights."

"The historical steps forward in international justice prove that no democratic process is sustainable without truth and justice for the victims…[in this context] I have to announce in the name of all HRDs the big news, a giant step in the fight against impunity: the sixtieth ratification of the Statute of the International Criminal Court has been deposited with the United Nations in New York today and this brings the Court into existence… Even if the road towards an effective Court is still long, its creation sends a clear message, both the perpetrators of international crime and to their victims: IMPUNITY IS NO LONGER TOLERATED! A message which I carry - like all my friends in the world - in my heart."