Foundation for Justice celebrated his birthday on June 16th 30th anniversary with an act in the Botanical Garden of Valencia which gathered about 200 peopleA day of gratitude, remembrance, and a look to the future, which highlighted three decades of defending human rights and fostered a renewed collective commitment in a context fraught with social and political challenges.
The event was hosted by the journalist Alfred Costa, who gave way to the presentation of some emblematic projects that the Foundation for Justice is currently promoting, representing the different lines of action developed throughout its three decades of history. The event featured representatives such as Manuela Carmena, magistrate and former mayor of Madrid; Jorge Cardona, professor of international law and former member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and Estefanía Mirpuri, General Director of the ONCE Foundation for Latin America (FOAL).
Four projects with impact
The first intervention was Laura Bellver, communications director of the Humans Fest, The Valencia International Film and Human Rights Festival, which has held its 16th edition, emphasized the power of cinema as a platform for highlighting injustices and thanked the ambassador companies and allied organizations that make this possible.
The second intervention, especially emotional, was that of Laia and Inés, coordinators of the Nazareth Morning SchoolThey shared their daily work with 30 children in a project with over 11 years of history that has significantly reduced truancy and generated a strong impact on families, educational settings, and communities. They recounted how former students, now teenagers, continue to come to them for advice, proof of the lasting and transformative bond built in this safe space. The Escoleta promotes values such as co-responsibility, peaceful conflict resolution, and emotional expression, thanks to the support of public and private entities, and many volunteers and donors.
The third project was presented by Rosana Gómez, responsible for the development of the social reintegration program at the Picassent Penitentiary CenterThere, dance becomes a tool for personal and emotional transformation. A fragment of the documentary was screened. “When the body dances, the mind forgets”, which shows how movement helps people deprived of their liberty reconnect with their bodies, their self-esteem, and their ability to imagine a better future.
The last testimony was that of Moussa Sar, collaborator of one of the projects that the Foundation promotes in Senegal, focused on the creation of micro-enterprisesShe expressed her gratitude for the support she received and described how this program has changed her life and the lives of many people in her community, the vast majority of whom are women, creating employment, dignity, and opportunities.
An open discussion on the challenges of the present
The event culminated with an open talk, moderated by Alfred Costa, with the participation of Manuela Carmena, Jorge Cardona and Estefanía MirpuriThrough a live interactive event, the audience was invited to reflect on the main current challenges in human rights. War, poverty, access to housing, equal opportunities, and peace were some of the most prominent concerns.
Closing words and inspiration
The President of the Foundation for Justice, José María Tomás y Tío, closed the event by remembering the “inspirational trips"which the Foundation carries out to learn firsthand about the real needs for cooperation and strengthen international alliances. He also reviewed the 16 editions of the Human Rights Award in which the Foundation for Justice recognized leaders in the defense of human rights, including its latest recipient, former Uruguayan President Pepe Mujica. He thanked so many for their involvement over the past 30 years and invited everyone to take a specific stand against the violation of human rights around the world. invest in trustworthy, critical and committed organizations through volunteering in its many forms and the contribution of resources of any kind.
About the Foundation for Justice
The Foundation for Justice has been working for 30 years to promote justice, human rights, and solidarity through local and international projects. With a presence in Valencia, Africa, and Latin America, it promotes initiatives in awareness-raising, development cooperation, and social impact. It supports projects that impact vulnerable people and promote structural change. This is why its areas of action are so diverse: children, family, job placement, ecology, restorative justice, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees, women, victims of armed conflict, and people deprived of their liberty, among others.
With the recognition of these 30 years, the Foundation for Justice reaffirms its commitment to building a more just, supportive, and humane world. Looking to the future, the organization will continue to support transformative projects. In a global context where fundamental rights are being violated, the Foundation takes on the challenge of strengthening its work in awareness-raising, advocacy, and cooperation, with a people-centered vision to build opportunities with justice at its core.
You can download the photos of the event in the album:
