WASHINGTON, November 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The US Institute of Peace (USIP) is honored to announce that María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos of Colombia as the recipient of the Institute’s 2022 award construction of womeng Peace Prize.
“The Women Building Peace Award honors women of extraordinary commitment, leadership and impact who work to build peace and resolve violent conflict in their communities,” said the President and CEO of the ‘USIP. Lise Grande. “This prestigious annual award celebrates women who build peace in countries affected by conflict.”
“María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos is a champion of justice, dignity and peace in Colombia“, Grande said. “She’s a great peacemaker.”
Riascos Mosque is the legal representative of Comunidades Construyendo Paz in Colombia (CONPAZCOL), a grassroots network of 140 victim organizations in 14 departments across Colombia where violent conflict continues. As a peacemaker and human rights defender, Riascos Mosque has been working for more than 30 years with women, Afro-Colombian, indigenous communities and small farmers who have been victims of social and armed conflicts in Colombia.
“Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights and environmental defenders,” said Manuel Müller, program coordinator of FOR Peace Presence, an independent organization that accompanies Riascos Mosque ensuring physical security, political visibility and solidarity. “Despite the difficulties, María Eugenia is on the front line to defend the rights of the most vulnerable communities.”
The Independent Women’s Peacebuilding Council, comprised of leading gender and peacebuilding experts and advisors, guided the process of selecting the six finalists from this year’s nominations and chose the winner.
By selecting Riascos Mosquethe council cited his skills and track record in using the many instruments of peacebuilding, his effectiveness in representing traditionally marginalized communities at peace talks in Havanaand the impact of his 30-year commitment to advancing peace in Colombia.
The prize will be awarded to Riascos Mosque in an early 2023 ceremony at USIP’s headquarters on the National Mall in washington d.c.
For more information on the award, visit www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace
For more information about USIP, visit: https://www.usip.org/about
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SOURCE American Institute for Peace
