MADRE Statements

Congratulations from MADRE to Mirna Cunningham!

Posted on: Monday, May 16, 2011

Keywords: UN, Indigenous Rights, Nicaragua, Latin America and Caribbean

Dear Mirna,

Greetings from MADRE!

On behalf of MADRE, we would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the chair of the 10th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Since the founding of MADRE, you have been at the heart of our family and of our work. When we organized together to support women and families suffering the effects of the US-sponsored Contra war in Nicaragua, your guidance helped us lay the foundation for the organization that would become MADRE.

For decades, your leadership has guided us in the struggle to demand the full range of human rights for all, and your friendship has kept us strong. We are proud of the bonds we have built with you and with advocates for Indigenous rights across the world.

This appointment marks a watershed moment, further enabling you to raise visibility of Indigenous rights issues and improve the conditions of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. This is an extremely important step for the women’s and Indigenous rights movement. MADRE has long benefited from your expertise and your wisdom, and we celebrate this opportunity to deepen and expand your influence.

Together, we continue our work for a world where human rights are a reality for all. Your incredible work as an Indigenous rights activist inspires us always.

We look forward to working with you in this new capacity!

Yifat, Natalia, Vivian and everybody at MADRE

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