For decades, María Amparo Carvajal in Bolivia and Juana Ruiz in Colombia have dedicated their lives to defending human rights and supporting survivors of violence and oppression. Their tireless efforts were recognized this week when the US State Department awarded them the prestigious Human Rights Defender Award.
Carvajal, originally from Spain, has been a central figure in Bolivia's human rights movement since 1971, the year Hugo Banzer took power in a coup. Banzer's regime, which lasted until 1978, was characterized by widespread human rights violations, motivating Carvajal to take action.
In 1976 he founded the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights in Bolivia (APDHB), an organization dedicated to monitoring and defending human rights during the dictatorship. Carvajal, who remains its president, has spent decades working alongside volunteers to provide support, advocacy and services to victims of human rights abuses and their families.
“I don't consider myself anything special,” Carvajal told Voice of America. “I simply believe in doing your duty. As I tell a dear friend, when lies spread, you must tell the truth. Seek the truth and you will find it.”
Even at 85 and battling cancer, Carvajal continued his activism. In June 2023, he organized a 51-day vigil outside the APDHB building, protesting after the office was forcibly occupied.
“We all want to find a place where we belong,” he said. “I'm not here for money. I'm here to fight for education, healthcare and justice. I am here to demand that everyone has the right to live in harmony, to respect each other.”
His resilience and dedication have inspired younger generations. Using a wheelchair during his vigil, Carvajal repeatedly emphasized that his fight for freedom was driven by a desire to leave behind a legacy of activism that others could carry on.
“María Amparo Carvajal spent more than 50 years fighting for human rights in Bolivia,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the awards ceremony. “From cases of torture and disappearances to the rights of indigenous communities, he has championed countless causes over the decades.”
Blinken also highlighted his unwavering determination, noting how he braved inclement weather and cold temperatures during his protest. “When the occupiers finally left the APDHB office, María Amparo said: 'I felt strong because I didn't sell out.' This belief defines his life's work.”
A fight for women's rights in Colombia
In Colombia, Juana Ruiz has emerged as a powerful advocate for women and survivors of gender violence. An Afro-Colombian artist, educator and social leader, Ruiz is the director of the Association for a Life of Dignity and Solidarity (ASVIDAS), an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of violence in the country.
Ruiz's journey into human rights activism began with his personal experience as a victim of the armed conflict in Colombia. In March 2000, during one of the bloodiest periods of violence in the Montes de María region of northern Colombia, her entire community was forcibly displaced.
“The paramilitaries looted everything,” Ruiz told Voice of America. “But they also sexually abused several women in the community.” This traumatic experience sparked his commitment to defending human rights. “We didn't set out to do this work with a title or a plan,” he said. “We started out of necessity.”
In 2005, as some paramilitary groups began to demobilize, Ruiz and ASVIDAS recognized the disproportionate impact the conflict had on women. They sought to address the deep wounds left by violence, finding ways to transform pain, anger and fear into reconciliation and healing. One of their key tools? Art.
A North American woman introduced ASVIDAS members to the art of “retazo,” or patchwork quilting. Using scraps of fabric, Ruiz and others began creating pieces that told the stories of the conflict and its impact on their lives. These works of art have since been displayed in museums across Colombia, serving as a powerful reminder of the country's turbulent history and the resilience of its women.
“Juana Alicia Ruiz joined other women in her community to create a project that allowed survivors to share their experiences and process their trauma through retazo,” Blinken said during the ceremony. “His defense led a Colombian court to order the government to establish a museum dedicated to educating the public about the massacre and promoting reconciliation.”
Global recognition for courageous supporters
Carvajal and Ruiz were among eight people honored during the State Department ceremony, led by Secretary Blinken. The other recipients came from countries including Azerbaijan, Burma, Swaziland, Ghana, Kuwait and the Kyrgyz Republic.
“These individuals are united by their extraordinary courage, determination and resilience in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Uzra Zeya, Undersecretary for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights, during the event. “As we celebrate their achievements, we also recognize the significant challenges they face, including threats, harassment, unjust detention, torture and even death.”
The awards were presented on December 10, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. This date commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
“We gather today to honor the strength of civil society and the perseverance of individuals who keep hope alive for a better future,” said Dafna Rand, Assistant Secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor .
A legacy of hope
Carvajal and Ruiz's work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending human rights in the face of oppression. Their relentless dedication not only brought justice and healing to survivors, but also inspired others to continue the fight for dignity, equality and freedom.
Through his decades-long struggle, Carvajal has proven that courage and integrity can withstand even the toughest challenges. Likewise, Ruiz's commitment to empowering women and preserving their stories ensures that the lessons of the Colombian conflict are not forgotten.
As these two extraordinary women continue their efforts, their stories are a testament to the transformative power of activism and the lasting impact of those who dare to stand up for human rights.
