Defend Children's Health in Peru

I write having just returned from La Oroya, where I met with community members who, despite a long and arduous wait for justice, are steadfast in their determination.

In the face of mounting frustration, the people of La Oroya have grown only more courageous and bold. They have chosen to use their voices to speak in their own defense.

In my last update, I wrote of the letter they sent to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressing their “enormous frustration and deep concern about the long wait” and requesting a site visit to display to the Commissioners their troubling situation first-hand.

More recently, along with our colleagues at APRODEH, we’ve helped the citizens draft a letter to Monsignor Pedro Barreto, the archbishop of Huancayo, Peru who was recently designated Cardinal.

In a letter congratulating the Cardinal on his placement, they wrote:

“We are convinced that your appointment as Cardinal is not only a recognition of your extensive ecclesiastical career, but also lends itself as an opportunity to continue advancing in your constant, dedicated and courageous work in defense of human rights, environmental protection, and the betterment of conditions for people in a situation of vulnerability.

We therefore consider your appointment as an impetus to generate substantial changes in Latin American for the care of the environment and the defense of peoples’ dignity.

With AIDA and APRODEH we reaffirm our gratitude and admiration for your commitment to the care of our common home, and the defense of human rights linked to the protection of a healthy environment in Latin America. In that sense, we would particularly like to honor the work you have done to ensure quality of life for the people of La Oroya and the protection of their natural environment.”

The people we represent are committed to making their voices heard, and we’re committed to standing by them and amplifying their voices until they finally achieve justice.