Sister Rosita Milesi, a Brazilian nun, has been chosen as the recipient of the annual Nansen Award by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Over the span of 40 years, she has dedicated herself to helping internally displaced and stateless individuals as a lawyer, social worker, and movement builder. Milesi, a member of the Scalabrini order of nuns, has personally assisted thousands of people by providing them with access to legal documents, shelter, food, healthcare, language training, and job opportunities. Her upbringing as the daughter of poor farmers of Italian descent in southern Brazil has driven her passion for helping those in need, and she has made significant contributions to shaping public policy, including Brazil’s refugee and migration laws.
Milesi’s work as a lawyer has been crucial in influencing national policy, such as Brazil’s 1997 refugee law, which has enhanced refugee rights in the country. She has also played a pivotal role in the formulation of Brazil’s 2017 migration law by bringing together different groups and mobilizing lawmakers to address the needs of refugees and migrants. Currently, Milesi oversees the Scalabrini order’s Migration and Human Rights Institute and coordinates RedeMIR, a national network of 60 organizations that support refugees and migrants throughout Brazil. Her dedication and advocacy have earned her recognition as a deserving recipient of the Nansen Award, which honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to helping refugees and displaced persons.
In addition to Sister Rosita Milesi, four regional winners were also named for their humanitarian efforts. These include Maimouna Ba from Burkina Faso, Jin Davod from Syria, Nada Fadol from Sudan, and Deepti Gurung from Nepal. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to supporting refugees and migrants in their respective regions, showcasing the global impact of humanitarian work. The Nansen Award, established in 1954 in honor of Fridtjof Nansen, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to helping those in need. Over the years, distinguished individuals and organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) and Angela Merkel have been honored with this prestigious award.
The Nansen Award ceremony is set to take place in Geneva on October 14, where Sister Rosita Milesi and the regional winners will be recognized for their efforts. Milesi will receive a $100,000 grant to support a project that aligns with her work, while the regional winners will each receive $25,000. The award serves as a testament to the dedication and compassion of individuals who work tirelessly to assist refugees and displaced persons, making a positive impact on the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Through their efforts, they strive to create a more inclusive and welcoming world for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Sister Rosita Milesi’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected advocate for refugees and migrants exemplifies the power of compassion and determination in addressing humanitarian challenges. Her personal commitment to helping marginalized individuals access essential services and support networks has had a lasting impact on public policy and the lives of countless people in need. As a lawyer, social worker, and movement builder, Milesi has demonstrated the importance of collaboration and advocacy in promoting the rights and well-being of refugees and migrants. Her work with the Scalabrini order’s Migration and Human Rights Institute and RedeMIR showcases the effectiveness of collective action in addressing complex social issues and fostering positive change in communities across Brazil.
The Nansen Award not only recognizes the efforts of Sister Rosita Milesi and other regional winners but also serves as a platform to highlight the critical work being done to support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. By honoring individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need, the award brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and migrants and the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working to address these issues. Through their exemplary work, Milesi and the other recipients of the Nansen Award inspire others to lend their support to those who are most vulnerable, fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity that transcends borders and differences. The recognition of these individuals and their contributions serves as a reminder of the importance of humanitarianism and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
