Mary Robinson has presented the annual Frontline Award for Human Rights Defenders at risk to the "Joint Mobile Group", a group from the Russian Federation who investigate human rights abuse allegations in Chechnya.
Joint Mobile Group consists of a network of lawyers and communication experts who interview witnesses and collect evidence for prosecution. They have received numerous threats as well as being held overnight in prison.
Marking the event, Mary Lawlor, Executive Director of Front Line observed "the struggle for human rights is rooted in the dedication and courage of these brave people, each of whom has put aside the demands of their own lives to defend the rights of others".
Accepting the award, Igor Kalyapin of Joint Mobile Group reminded the audience: "for many people the war in Chechnya has been consigned to history. Sadly for the people of Chechnya the torture and disappearances remain a regular if more targeted occurrence - while those who dare to speak our face threats and attacks from the security forces. The Front Line Award sends a message to the authorities that we are not alone and in our hour of need there are people who will stand by us".
The Frontline Award is granted annually. To view a video profile of the work of the Joint Mobile Group, please click here. To view Frontline's press release, please click here.