Sr. Rosita Milesi, from the Congregation of the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters, has been awarded the 2024 Nansen Refugee Award, presented by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This prestigious recognition highlights her nearly 40 years of work dedicated to the protection and assistance of refugees, displaced persons, and stateless individuals in Brazil.

The award ceremony took place in Brazil, and during the event, Sr. Rosita was praised for her tireless work as a humanitarian, lawyer, and activist in favor of migrant rights. As UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi stated: "Sr. Rosita is a legend for many within the UNHCR. She is not only a Catholic sister, but also a social worker, an activist, and a defender of change."

A Life Dedicated to Migrants

Since her childhood in the heart of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Sr. Rosita decided to follow her vocation at the age of 9, leaving her family to join the Scalabrinian Sisters. Throughout her life, she has worked tirelessly for migrants and refugees. In 1999, she founded the Migration and Human Rights Institute (IMDH) in Brasília, with the goal of offering legal, social, and humanitarian support to migrants and refugees arriving in Brazil, particularly those from countries such as Venezuela and Cuba.

Her contribution to the development of public policies is equally significant. Sr. Rosita actively participated in the creation of the Refugee Law in 1997 and the Migration Law in 2017, both of which have been crucial in guaranteeing the protection and rights of these vulnerable populations.

Stories that Inspire

The stories of those who have received support from Sr. Rosita serve as a testament to the impact of her work. Rosa Henríquez, a Venezuelan refugee, and Carlos Santiesteban, a Cuban migrant, have both been beneficiaries of Sr. Rosita's programs. Both have found invaluable support at the Migration and Human Rights Institute, which has helped them reintegrate into Brazilian society.

Rosa, who arrived in Brazil in 2018, recalls how Sr. Rosita provided not only financial support to overcome critical moments but also psychological counseling and help in starting her own business. Thanks to this support, Rosa and her family were able to obtain permanent residency in Brazil.

Carlos, who fled political persecution in Cuba, emphasized how the Institute helped him find employment in Brasília, supported him in the process of validating his academic qualifications, and provided a solid foundation for rebuilding his life in Brazil.

Recognition and Call to Action

Upon receiving the Nansen Award, Sr. Rosita emphasized that this recognition was not only a tribute to her career but also to all the people, institutions, and volunteers who have accompanied migrants on their journey. In her own words:
"This award is a tribute to every person who has walked with me along this path, to every refugee, to every child. Their courage and their smile are what motivate me to keep fighting."

The Nansen Award, established in 1954 in honor of the Norwegian humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen, strengthens the need for a global commitment to address the causes of forced migration and to promote a more inclusive and welcoming world for all.

Read the full article about this award and Sister Rosita on the Global Sisters Report website.