This year’s Global Laureate for the UN Refugee Agency Award, Sister Rosita Milesi, is a Brazilian nun, lawyer, social worker and movement builder who has been advocating for the rights and dignity of people on the move for almost four decades. The four others have been declared regional winners.
“All too often, women face an increased risk of discrimination and violence, especially when they are forced to flee.” said UNHCR Filippo Grandi.
“But these five winners show how women also play a crucial role in the humanitarian response and in finding solutions,” he underlined.
Mr. Grandi praised their commitment to encouraging action in their own communities, building grassroots support and even shaping national policy.
Sister Rosita has personally assisted thousands of people who have either been displaced from their homes or sought new opportunities – helping them access legal documentation, shelter, food, healthcare, language training and access to the labor market in Brazil .
As a lawyer, she has also played an important role in shaping government policy, the refugee organization said.
For example, her work on Brazil’s 1997 Refugee Law has helped strengthen refugee rights in line with the 1984 Cartagena Refugee Declaration, and increased its efforts to support people forced to move within the Central Region. to protect, include, and empower America. international standards.
Life of dedication
“I decided to work for migrants and refugees. I am inspired by the growing need to help, welcome and integrate refugees,” says Sister Rosita, 79 years old.
“I’m not afraid to take action, even if we don’t achieve everything we want. If I take on something, I will turn the world upside down to make it happen,” she added.
Regional winners
Maimouna Ba, the regional winner from Africa this year an activist is from Burkina Faso. She has helped more than 100 displaced children return to the classroom and more than 400 displaced women on their path to financial independence.
In the meantime, Jin Davod, the winner from Europedrew from her own experience as a Syrian refugee to build an online platform that has connected thousands of trauma survivors with licensed therapists who provide free mental health care.
Sudanese refugee Nada Fadol, the winner from the Middle East and North Africa regionhas mobilized vital aid for hundreds of refugee families fleeing to Egypt in search of safety.
Finally, Deepti Gurung, the winner from the Asia-Pacific regioncampaigned to reform Nepal’s citizenship laws after learning that her two daughters had been left stateless – opening a path to citizenship for them and thousands of others in similar trouble.
The residents of Moldova will also receive an honorable mention for serving as a beacon of humanity. Beyond their own economic challenges, they quickly transformed schools, community spaces and homes into refuges for more than a million people fleeing war in Ukraine.
© UNHCR/Etinosa Yvonne
UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award, 2024 regional winner for Africa, Maimouna Ba, from Burkina Faso.
