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You have certainly heard of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and Malala Yousafzai. Today, you will also hear about Joenia Wapichana. She is Brazilian. She is indigenous. She is the first indigenous woman to graduate as a lawyer. She is also the first indigenous woman elected as a federal deputy. And what does she have in common with the three I mentioned before? All of them, including Joenia, have won the Human Rights Prize from the UN.
On the 25th, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, the President of the UN General Assembly, announced the 2018 winners of the Human Rights Prize. It is awarded to human rights defenders anywhere in the world. Joenia, 43, was recognized for her fight for indigenous rights. So that they are treated with respect, dignity, and as Brazilian citizens. Brazilians from a pluralistic country, with diverse cultures that need to be respected, and with knowledge that needs to be heard.
“They are citizens, people who want to be part of the decision-making process for many issues being discussed within countries; they are defenders of rights, of knowledge, and of various forms of wisdom. We will also ensure that children can live by this example. And I understand that this recognition will also serve to protect us,” Joenia tells UN News from Boa Vista, Roraima.
Congratulations, Joenia, on your contribution to humanity. May your example multiply.
In the following video, produced by Renova BR, you can hear and understand more about her work in the fight for indigenous communities: