From the Dance Floor to the Pope’s Living Room
Helena Maleno Garzón is a researcher, investigator, journalist, and activist who stands up for the rights of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking who attempt to reach Europe by sea and land. In her reporting she has denounced human rights violations on the Spanish Southern Border and works with migrant communities in defense of their rights. In 2002, Helena founded Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders), an organization that rescues sea vessels carrying migrants that are in danger of sinking and provides support for them once they arrive in Europe. It is estimated that she has saved at least ten thousand lives through her work relaying the locations of sinking sea vessels to Spanish naval authorities. Helena continues to do this work despite ongoing judicial harassment and threats from the governments of Morocco and Spain, who have criminalized her efforts.
In 2022, UNANIMA International (UI) selected Helena as their annual Women of Courage Award recipient. Helena was finally presented her award last month when UI Executive Director, Jean Quinn, DW traveled to Madrid. Dancing was part of the celebration.
Just weeks after Jean’s visit, Helena found herself seated in Pope Francis’ home in Santa Marta where she was invited to come talk about border victims and their families. Helena said, “He is genuinely concerned about their situations and encourages us to keep fighting despite the difficulties and persecutions. I am grateful to him for following closely my case concerning the criminalization of the rights of immigrants by the Spanish and Moroccan states. We will not stop demanding justice and fairness.”
Click on this link to view the Women of Courage from past years.
NEWSLETTER
Click on this link to read the latest newsletter from UNANIMA International
BEGINNINGS & NAME
In 2001 six congregations of women religious formed a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to advocate at the United Nations on behalf of the needs of women and children. They chose the name, UNANIMA, which begins with “UN” for United Nations and “ANIMA” the Latin word for feminine “spirit” or “life principal”. The organization brings the feminine spirit to the UN, and represents a group acting with one heart and mind.
Because the work of UNANIMA International reflects the concerns and actions of the Holy Union Sisters, in 2004 the General Council asked to become a member congregation.
MISSION STATEMENT
UNANIMA International is a coalition of smaller congregations of women religious with members on all continents committed to work for peace and human dignity in response to the needs of our world by service to our members, to the United Nations, and to other NGOs through collaboration, education, and action in affiliation with the UN regarding:
● Women and children, particularly the economically poor
● Immigrants and refugees
● The welfare of the planet
NEWS
Holy Union is one of the 25 member congregations of UNANIMA International. Sister Cecilia Fukah Egho will represent the congregation on the Board of Directors. The Board will be meeting in New York later this month and request your prayers for safe travels, guidance in planning, and health and energy to carry out the mission. Thanks to Sister Eileen Davey who has completed her term as representative for Holy Union.