Martha Meijer, managing director, leaves Aim for human rights

Martha Meijer will retire from her position as managing director of Aim for human rights on May 1, 2010. She has led the human rights organisation since 1994. During this period, the small Humanist Committee on Human Rights (HOM) developed into the internationally operating Aim for human rights. An interim director will replace Martha temporarily.

Martha Meijer has decided that after almost sixteen years the time has come to say goodbye to Aim for human rights. "I am proud that I have been able to contribute to constructing new networks with various organisations and international partners. Such cooperation is the core of our work on universal human rights, because together we can increase our scope and influence. At the moment, Aim is on the verge of a new time of change, for which I believe a fresh perspective is needed."

Martha directed a continually evolving organisation. HOM focused primarily on promoting public and political debate about human rights in the Netherlands. Later, the organisation specialized in human rights impact assessment, a development to which Martha contributed both substantively and strategically. Supporting other organisations with capacity building by using new communication technologies, and specifically the two Resource Centres, is another important innovation that took place. Under Martha's leadership the organisation grew into a medium sized human rights organisation, working with partners on projects in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America and Europe.

Partly due to the rejection of the grant application MFS2, Aim for human rights will steer a new course. Martha, in consultation with the Supervisory Board, decided to make way for an interim director. She will stay on a few weeks as an advisor. After that she will in all probability stay active in the human rights movement. One never loses a human rights heart.

The Supervisory Board and staff appreciate the great effort of Martha and everything she has achieved for Aim for human rights. The date of a farewell meeting will be announced soon.