Shortlist of nominees for the 2007 Front Line Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk

by Daithi1979 Fri May 11, 2007 13:08

Fair play Aoise, you're dead right. Indymedia has long been the domain of people who are prepared to denigrate the work of organisations which actually have an impact on issues such as the freedom of expression that we on indymedia can enjoy, but which is denied to many across the world. The same people who make up comments about 'Frontline and trade unions' when Front Line's stance on trade unions has only ever been one of unwavering support for unions and union members, should get off their arses and actually make some contribution rather than whining on about the state of society while doing nothing in real terms to change it, unlike those at Front Line. Who funds an organisation has no bearing on the work of the organisation unless the funder has a direct policy making role. As pointed out, most organisations have fabulously wealthy people on their boards, but these members don't actually make the policy decisions, so griping about O'Brien and trying to dismiss the valuable work of the Frontline NGO is pretty pathetic. If you are going to dismiss worthwhile NGO's, go learn the facts first, and then come up with an alternative of how they can function without funding from private individuals. You might also want to take into account the fact that many of those who Frontline have protected are leading human rights defenders who are standing up against vile and autocratic states at great personal risk and who often would be murdered were it not for Frontline's support. Can you people really claim that you are somehow in a position to dismiss these people and organisations that work for them from the comfort of your (safe) homes?

by Aoise Thu May 10, 2007 17:48

As rightly pointed out; Denis O'Brian is a contributor to Front Line. He is also a contributor to many other charity organisations. While one may not agree with O'Brian or his policies, it is ridiculous to claim that because he is merely one of a number of donors to this very worthwhile organisation that his money somehow dictates Front Line's policies or mars the work done by the organisation. Indeed, all charities and development organisations rely on funding, some of it is delivered by anonymous donors, some from foundations and some from business people or those with high profiles who people may have a problem with. What must be considered is whether the organisation's autonomous work is useful and beneficial. If it is, and Front Line's certainly is in my opinion, though I have not direct relelationship with them other than following their work, , then who donates to the organisation is irrelevent. Front Line does an admirable job and its impact has affected many through out the world, especially those who are at serious risk for their human rights work, a risk most of us do not have to face, but if we did, it is certain that we would be relying on organisations such as Front Line for protection and assistance. I would request that people here focus on the bigger picture of what this organisation actually does, rather than begrudging an organisation on the basis of one of its (no doubt numerous) beneficiaries.

by C Murray Thu Apr 12, 2007 14:37

One of the beneficent Mr O Brien's ongoing charity concerns is indeed
the 'Frontline Defenders'- they attended the early part of the Rossport picket and
can be seen with clipboards in the photo essays.

You can trawl through the works they do if you google them. I am not sure if PJ Mara is
one too- I think he may just be in the business end of things- the Cayman companies
that are related to communications infrastructure.

Most charities do indeed have the fabulously wealthy on their boards- thus
infecting the organisations with their political theories of equality.

Mr O Brien resigned most of his chairs in the past six months before a module of
some commission of enquiry.

All the info on the Cayman media/communications can also be found through google.
most companies have to declare the names of trustees and board members
will add in links-

by Rev Malcolm X - church of Marx Thu Apr 12, 2007 14:00

correct me if I am wrong. Denis o Brien esat digifone one of Frontline financial contributors. is there something about Frontline and trade union issues.