Co-Director of Rede Social Receives Award for the Defense of Human Rights in Brazil

Brazilian president Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva will present an award for defending human rights today to Aton Fon Filho, one of the directors of Rede Social, a Grassroots International partner in Brazil. Aton Fon Filho, a lawyer by training, will receive the 2006 Human Rights Award from the National Secretary of Human Rights.

This award was created in 1995 by the federal government to recognize individuals and organizations that are advocates and defenders of human rights. Since its creation 160 students, professionals and organizations have had their efforts recognized.

Aton Fon Filho will be recognized in the category of Support of Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights. Around 800 people and organizations were nominated in the 2006 Human Rights Award round.

Grassroots International celebrates this recognition of Fon, and his work, as he is an important contributor and activist in the defense of the civil and political rights of social movement members and organizers in Brazil. Parabéns, Fon! Parabéns, Rede Social!

Fon, um forte abraço da equipe de Grassroots International.