Brazilian Nun Wins Prestigious UN Refugee Award for 40 Years of Service | Sister Rosita Milesi | UNHCR
Sister Rosita Milesi, a Brazilian nun dedicated to helping refugees and migrants, has been awarded the prestigious Nansen prize by the UN High Commission for Refugees. With a background in law, social work, and activism, Milesi has championed the rights and dignity of displaced people in Brazil for four decades.
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award, named after Norwegian humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to protecting internally displaced and stateless people. Milesi joins a distinguished list of past laureates, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Angela Merkel.
As the leader of the Migration and Human Rights Institute (IMDH) in Brasilia, Milesi has worked tirelessly to provide essential services to forced migrants and displaced people, including shelter, healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Her efforts have influenced Brazil's legal framework, leading to the enactment of key laws that protect the rights of refugees and migrants.
In conclusion, Sister Rosita Milesi's unwavering dedication to helping vulnerable populations in Brazil has earned her international recognition and praise. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and advocacy in addressing the needs of refugees and migrants around the world.