On Thursday, December 9, Defenders' Day, the International League for Human Rights, a non-governmental organization devoted to strengthening international human rights institutions, will hold a reception and awards ceremony in honor of activists who have courageously defended the rights of others, facing persecution themselves.

December 9 marks the first anniversary of what has come to be known as the "Defenders' Declaration," passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1998, one day before Human Rights Day. The declaration aims to reinforce the right, individually or in groups, to promote and protect the rights of others -- a guarantee still lacking implementation in many countries. With Defenders' Day Awards, the League will honor the work of 7 individuals or organizations notable for their defense of others in 1999:

Abiola Akiyode, attorney from Nigeria, highly regarded former student activist and the first woman to serve as public relations officer of the Obafemi Awolowo University Students Union. She worked to defend pro-democracy activists during the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha; has served as legal counsel for disabled, women, and students rights groups; and represented indigent detainees and organized prison visits.

Annagi Gadzhiev, attorney from Azerbaijan and president of the Association of Lawyers of Azerbaijan, denied registration by authorities despite repeated court appeals. He has organized the defense of refugees, the poor, and other public interest cases; and advocated on behalf of attorneys harassed or denied access to court for their civil rights defense work.

Human Rights in China, an international NGO founded by Chinese scientists and scholars in 1989, denied NGO consultative status at the UN, following China's intervention. Sadly, the decision came on June 4, exactly ten years after the massacre in Tiananmen Square. HRIC leader Xiao Qiang vows to continue to seek recognition for his organization, required to attend sessions such as the Commission on Human Rights.

Rosemary Nelson, a Lurgan solicitor, killed in a car bomb blast March 15, after death threats for defending her clients. Other lawyers in Northern Ireland continue to receive warnings, and the posthumous award to Nelson, to be accepted by Rosemary Nelson Campaign activist Richard Harvey, is intended to highlight the urgent need to protect civil rights attorneys. The League calls for an international investigation of of the murders of Nelson and Pat Finucane, another lawyer slain for his professional work.

Oleg Volchek of Belarus, head of the Public Legal Assistance Association, recently suspended by the government for providing aid to demonstrators injured by police and other human rights victims, including disappeared opposition leader Yuri Zakharenko. He himself was beaten severely by plainclothes police in July but continues his work.

Yuri Schmidt of Russia, attorney for environmental activist Aleksandr Nikitin, on trial again this week for blowing the whistle on nuclear hazards. Schmidt himself has faced reprisals and is under constant surveillance and harassment by the secret police.

Yevgeny Zhovtis, director of the Human Rights and Legality Bureau in Almaty, Kazakhstan, whose office was burned by arsonists in November, with records dating back six years destroyed in the fire. Zhovtis has led the struggle for free speech and labor rights in his homeland, particularly crucial in recent elections.

For more information, call (212)-661-0480

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