As human rights defenders you are like sailors and as sailors you are fighting the waves and watching the wind. If the waves are the oppressive regimes you are fighting then the wind symbolizes the international governments who like the wind can be still, or moving in your direction and other times moving strongly against you. A good sailor knows that when the wind is in your favor you make the most of it by raising your sails. However when its not then you let your sails down and stay the course. One does not give up and abandon his ship because the wind is moving against him, whats important is that you have your compass and you know your destination.

At times it may feel like you are not going anywhere, other times you might even feel you’re moving backwards. But as human rights defenders you must always remember that your influence will have long term effects. There are those who will resign and feel hopeless as soon as the winds are against them, but the true defender, will continue to work, to monitor, to advocate and to defend. Because they know that it is their persistence to continue the struggle that ultimately prepares them to make the big changes when the wind changes course. They know that like sailors, their continued work, is what preserves the boat.