WASHINGTON - October 2 - An activist who has fought to expose and end the inhumane treatment of Colombian prisoners and an advocate who has worked to uncover atrocities and promote human rights in Brazil are the recipients of Human Rights First's 2009 Human Rights Award.  The awards are bestowed at Human Rights First’s annual dinner held at Chelsea Piers in New York City on Thursday, October 22.

Principe Gabriel Gonzalez is a student activist and regional coordinator of the Political Prisoners Solidarity Committee in Colombia where he has worked to promote access to justice for prisoners and victims of Colombia’s conflict. Ironically, Gonzalez’s advocacy led to his own arrest and detention on the false charge of being a guerilla leader. He was detained for more than a year, lived in exile to escape judicial harassment, and now faces seven more years in prison on trumped-up charges if his test-case appeal to Colombia’s Supreme Court is unsuccessful. The award recognizes Gonzalez’s bravery and unwavering commitment to justice despite years of harassment, detention and threats, and highlights the widespread problem of false prosecution and arbitrary detention of Colombian activists.

Brazilian lawyer Sandra Carvalho has a long and distinguished career as a human rights defender in Brazil. Carvalho leads Global Justice, a Sao Paulo-based NGO known for its work on a wide range of issues, including ending police violence in Rio de Janeiro, addressing land rights in northern Brazil, ending prisoner abuse, and stopping illegal wiretapping of Brazilian human rights defenders. Carvalho has been harassed and threatened by those who seek to obstruct her work, and several of her colleagues have been killed.  But Carvalho has not been deterred.  Her work goes on, and Brazilians continue to benefit from her courageous efforts to find justice for those who have been oppressed or persecuted.

“These two extraordinary people truly embody the spirit of this award: to stand up for those less powerful, protect them from harm, and amplify their voices,” said Elisa Massimino, Human Rights First CEO and Executive Director. “Their courage and determination to seek justice and defend the rights of others--often under difficult and dangerous circumstances--inspire us all.  We are so pleased to be able to honor Gabriel and Sandra for their many accomplishments.”

Gonzelez and Carvalho will receive their awards during a gala event at Chelsea Piers. Veteran newsman Tom Brokaw will MC the event. Human Rights First has presented its annual human rights awards for more than 20 years. Former recipients include Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam from Darfur; Ludmilla Alexeeva from Russia; Helen Mack from Guatemala; Archbishop Pius Ncube from Zimbabwe; Saad Eddin Ibrahim from Egypt; Albie Sachs from South Africa; Hina Jalani from Pakistan; and Mary Robinson from Ireland.