Faith-Rooted Human Rights in South America: A Conversation with Practitioners on the Role of Faith Communities in Seeking Justice for Women, Children, and Indigenous Peoples

This panel will be made up of human rights leaders from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil associated with Peace and Hope (La Asociación Paz y Esperanza), an ecumenical faith-based organization founded by members of the Evangelical Council of Peru in 1996. Started by a group of law students in Peru in response to widespread impunity and injustice during the civil conflict in the 1980s and 90s, Peace and Hope has since expanded to focus on violence prevention, restoration, legal reform, and justice for women, children, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Peace and Hope is also currently starting operations in Brazil and Chile. The rapid growth of "evangelicos" in South America is having a significant impact on society and politics. This panel of both scholars and practitioners will discuss gains, opportunities, and challenges for justice and human rights in South America with a particular emphasis on the role of faith communities in seeking a more just society.