8 Lessons from a Conversation with UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
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On 28 November 2024, I had the extraordinary opportunity to interview Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. This conversation concluded a Civil Society Roundtable hosted by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) during the 2024 Convention of the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders in Accra, Ghana. The experience was not only inspiring but also filled with invaluable lessons about advocacy, communication, and professionalism
The intimate roundtable meeting brought together representatives from various civil society organisations, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the OHCHR West Africa Regional Office, OHCHR Burkina Faso, and Mary Lawlor’s special advisor, Ed O’Donovan.
𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴
In my role as a Communications Assistant with WACSI, I had the opportunity to engage with Mary Lawlor, and it was a great learning experience. A striking moment occurred when Mary remarked, ‘I was testing you,’ after initially hesitating to grant my request. This taught me the importance of being intentional, respectful, and strategic in high-stakes communications.
One of the aspects I admired most about Mary was the dynamic she shared with her special adviser, Ed O’Donovan. Despite their high-level roles, there was no need for rigid protocols in their interactions. Mary Lawlor’s synergy with her adviser, Ed O’Donovan, stood out. Their dynamic—marked by openness and trust—demonstrated how respectful collaboration drives impactful work.
𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
This was evident in several moments I observed. For example, during my initial approach to Mary, their seamless conversations during the roundtable, and later, when I went through Ed to reach Mary with my second request. Ed’s response was simple yet empowering: “Just go to Mary and ask her.” This openness and trust in their working relationship left a lasting impression on me.
Here are eight key lessons I learned from the roundtable discussion and my interaction with her:
a. Always come prepared: Preparation is crucial when engaging with influential personalities or navigating professional spaces.
b. You have one opportunity, make the most of it: Seize every chance with intention and purpose.
c. Asking does not guarantee a favourable answer: Be ready to accept outcomes gracefully while seeking alternatives.
d. When things do not go your way, make the best of what you have: Resourcefulness and adaptability can turn challenges into opportunities.
e. High-level individuals are always focused on the bigger picture: Keep your perspective broad and forward-thinking.
f. Be specific and clear in making your point: Clarity and precision in communication are vital, especially in professional and advocacy spaces.
g. Words are key to thriving in the development space: Articulate communication and effective storytelling can make a significant impact.
h. One encounter with the right person can solve a problem months in the making: Networking and connecting with the right people can unlock opportunities and solutions.
This interview with Mary Lawlor was not just an opportunity to engage with a global figure; it was a masterclass in effective communication, leadership, and professionalism. From her willingness to test and challenge me, to the collaborative and respectful way she worked with her team, every moment was a lesson. It reinforced the value of preparation, adaptability, and respect in professional spaces, leaving me with insights that will shape my journey for years to come.
𝘈 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺
I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to navigate professional spaces—by being intentional, adaptable, and clear in my approach. It also reinforced the value of cultivating respectful, team-driven relationships in achieving impactful results. Truly, one meaningful encounter can shape your perspective and equip you with insights that last a lifetime.
Watch the interview video here.
About the author
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey is a development practitioner with expertise in communication, youth empowerment, advocacy and human rights. With a diverse professional background, she has contributed her skills to various national and international organisations. Community engagement lies at the heart of Deborah’s values, as evidenced by her initiative “Every Kid Deserves Christmas,” which brings joy to hundreds of children from underprivileged backgrounds every year. Currently, she serves as a communications assistant, where she plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and development at the West Africa Civil Society Institute.
