WOLA honors organizations or individuals who have worked tirelessly to promote human rights, democracy, and justice in Latin America. Our awardees are organizations or individuals who exemplify a commitment to WOLA’s vision for the future, where human rights and social justice are the foundation for public policy.
Efecto Cocuyo, Independent News Source
For their vital journalism of Venezuela in crisis and their courageous defense of democracy.
Congresswoman Norma Torres
For her visionary leadership in Congress on behalf of human rights and justice in Central America.
Iván Velásquez Gómez, Commissioner, International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
For his courageous leadership as head of the CICIG, a unique UN-backed agency working with Guatemalans to investigate and dismantle entrenched criminal networks.
Joe Eldridge & Maria Otero
For their pioneering contributions to human rights in the Americas and their lifelong commitment to supporting the human rights community.
Thelma Aldana, Former Attorney General of Guatemala
For her determined prosecution of the corrupt and powerful and her commitment to expanding justice to all Guatemalans.
Ford Foundation
For its visionary leadership in the movement for social justice and human rights.
Kino Border Initiative
For their courageous work on the U.S.-Mexico border, providing humanitarian aid to migrants and advocating for more humane policies.
“Both Ford Foundation and Kino Border Initiative, in their different capacities, are beacons of hope, courageously defending human rights in perilous times,” said WOLA President Matt Clausen of our 2017 honorees. “At a time when values like justice and human dignity are facing unprecedented threats, honoring the work of organizations like these is more important than ever.”
Bill & Paula Clapp, Founders of Seattle International Foundation
For their visionary and catalytic commitment to human rights and economic development in Central America
Casa Alianza de Honduras
For their critical and courageous work to protect children and adolescents at risk in Honduras.
At a time when more Central Americans are fleeing their home countries, WOLA’s 2016 Human Rights Awards focused on the urgent need to address the root causes of migration from the region—namely the high levels of violence, poverty, corruption, and impunity that plague Central America—as well as the need to expand access to protection for migrants who could qualify for asylum in Mexico and the United States. See below to watch the night’s program and see pictures from the event.
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