ADOLFO PÉREZ ESQUIVEL

Adolfo Pérez Esquivel

Adolfo Pérez Esquivel was born in Buenos Aires in 1931. After training as an architect and sculptor he was became a professor of architecture. In 1974 he left his teaching post to devote all his time and energy to co-ordinating the activities of the non-violent elements in Latin America. In 1976 he initiated an international campaign aimed at persuading the United Nations to establish a Human Rights Commission, and a document was drawn up recording breaches of human rights in Latin America. In the Spring of 1977 Pérez Esquivel was imprisoned without cause being shown.

The organisation of which Pérez Esquivel is the leader, Servicio Paz y Justicia, is a well-established one. Latin America is divided into three regions, each with its own offices, and under these come the national organisations. Their activities are co-ordinated from Pérez Esquivel's office in Buenos Aires. The organisation is based on a Christian view of life, and enjoys close contact with clergy and bishops critical of present-day conditions in Latin America. The chief task of the movement is to promote respect for human rights, a phrase that is intended to include social and economic rights. On the practical level this means that Servicio provides assistance to the rural workers in their struggle for land, and to the trade unions in their struggle to protect the rights of their workers. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1980.

"To create this new society, we must present outstretched and friendly hands, without hatred and rancor, even as we show great determination and never waver in the defense of truth and justice. Because we know that we cannot sow seeds with clenched fists. To sow we must open our hands."