Human rights defender's story: Cédric Herrou from France

Cédric Herrou, a farmer from Breuil-sur-Roya in the Southeast of France near the Italian border, is deeply involved in defending migrant rights. Since 2015, he has been actively assisting migrants stranded in the Roya Valley due to tightened French border controls, originally reinstated to combat terrorism but which have effectively become measures against migration.

Herrou’s commitment to helping these vulnerable individuals began when he encountered families, children, and other migrants suffering from smuggling, exploitation, and abuse. This humanitarian crisis prompted him to take significant actions, including providing healthcare, food, and assistance with documentation. His efforts to aid migrants led to his arrest in August 2016 while transporting eight Eritrean migrants; he was subsequently released under ‘humanitarian immunity.’

Despite facing legal challenges and media scrutiny, Cédric continued his advocacy, denouncing the French State for its failures to protect asylum seekers. His struggles highlight the broader issue of European states’ responsibilities under international law to uphold human rights at their borders.

Cédric advocates for a more robust legal and political response to European policies that criminalise support for migrants. He stresses the need for NGOs and the international community to take legal actions against such States and to push for policies that prioritise human dignity and democratic values. His story underscores the challenges and the urgent need for advocacy in safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable in the face of widespread governmental inaction.