Three Latin American justice advocates were recognized on Wednesday by the Gruber Foundation in Washington, DC. Carmen Argibay, a Supreme Court Justice in Argentina, Carlos Cerda, a member of Chile's judiciary, and Monica Feria, an international lawyer from Peru, were recipients of the Gruber Foundation International Justice Prize. The award ceremony was moderated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor at the Georgetown Law school campus. The three recipients will also share a $500,000 prize “Each prize recipient has shown great resolve in fighting for democratic principles in the face of tyrannical regimes, often at great risk to personal security. Collectively, they are a model for individual action aimed at achieving human equality and the resistance of tyranny around the world,” O'Connor said. The three justice advocates were honored by the foundation for their commitment to justice, which prevailed against oppression and intimidation by dictatorial regimes in their respective countries, the foundation said. The foundation, which was founded and is funded by Peter and Patricia Gruber, aims to honor and encourage educational excellence, social justice, and scientific achievements that better the human condition, the organization said. Argibay said that she likely received the award because she was a “survivor” after being jailed while working to pioneer woman's advocacy, fighting corruption, and adjucating charges of sexual slavery in her native Argentina. Cerda served as a member of Chile's judiciary at a time when “the fundamental rights of the people [in Chile] were not recognized,” he said. Cerda reiterated during the ceremony that he “believes in peace without harm.” Cerda is noted for challenging abuse issued by the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. In keeping with the mood of the event, Feria said that it is most important to understand that “justice heals,” and she strives to “help shape the law to make impunity something of the past.” Feria was jailed and tortured because of her widespread defense of children's rights and fight against torture around the world. “In every age and in every country, heroes appear. Often they are reluctant heroes who choose to take a principled stand in difficult times. I'm confident that the efforts of this year's Justice Prize recipients-three courageous persons working within the justice systems of Latin America-will inspire people from all parts of the world to do the right thing at the right time,” said human rights advocate Martin Lee, a member of the Gruber Justice selection committee.
