Washington, D.C. — The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area hosted the 2025 UNA-NCA Human Rights Awards on the evening of December 10 at the United Nations Foundation in Washington, D.C. The annual awards program recognized individuals and organizations whose work advances human rights through policy, advocacy, diplomacy, and community engagement. The event continued UNA-NCA’s long-running effort to keep human rights at the center of public life in the nation’s capital.
Guests included government and business officials, civil society leaders, and advocates engaged in human rights work across regions and sectors. The program began with comments from Anne Simons-Benton, Board Chair of UNA-NCA, and Paula Boland, President and Chief Executive Officer. They spoke about the association’s role in strengthening public understanding of the United Nations while supporting rights-based initiatives through education, advocacy, and partnerships across the capital region.
Institutional support for that work received attention with recognition of the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Circle sponsor. Elisabeth Philippe, Senior Manager for UN Affairs and Partnerships at the United Nations Federal Credit Union, spoke on the value of sustained backing and the practical role financial institutions can play in advancing human dignity through long-term engagement.
A message from the United Nations followed, delivered by William Davis, Director of the United Nations Information Center in Washington. He spoke to the pressures facing the multilateral system and the continued need for coordinated international action in response to inequality, conflict, and discrimination, placing the program within the broader scope of the UN’s work.
Attention then turned to the Louis B. Sohn Human Rights Award, conferred by Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., representing Georgia’s Fourth District. The honor recognizes leadership rooted in legal advocacy and accountability. Johnson connected domestic legal frameworks with international standards, noting the role of legislative institutions in protecting civil liberties.
Gimena Sánchez of the Washington Office on Latin America addressed the audience next, drawing on her experience in human rights and anti-racism advocacy. Her comments centered on the real-world impact of policy choices and the need for approaches shaped by the voices of affected communities.
The program moved to the Perdita Huston Human Rights Award, introduced by Geeta Rao Gupta, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues and Principal at the Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice. The award recognizes leadership that advances gender equity and women’s rights through policy and international engagement.
That focus continued with Sia Nowrojee, Associate Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, who examined how global commitments to women and girls translate into measurable outcomes. Her contribution examined strategy, funding, and accountability as essential components of sustained progress.
From gender-focused advocacy, the program broadened to human rights diplomacy. The F. Allen “Tex” Harris Human Rights Diplomacy Award was introduced by Scott Busby, Senior Advisor at Human Rights First. The honor recognizes diplomatic leadership that places human rights within foreign policy decision-making. Uzra Zeya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Human Rights First, spoke about the role of advocacy organizations in shaping policy and sustaining public accountability in complex political environments.
Youth leadership also formed part of the program. Oscar Lopez III, the 13th U.S. Youth Observer to the United Nations, received the Emerging Leader Human Rights Award from Abby Finkenauer, former U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues. He emphasized the responsibility of representing young people in international forums and the need for sustained youth participation in global decision-making.
The Community Human Rights Award was the final honor of the evening and was presented to Volare for its work advancing access and equity through direct service and advocacy. Patrice Amandla Sulton, Executive Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law, presented the award, which was accepted by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Bridgette Stumpf and Executive Director Lindsay Silverberg. They spoke about the role of local organizations in confronting systemic barriers through sustained community engagement.
The formal program closed with comments from Alex Remmel, Chair of the UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee. He acknowledged the honorees, presenters, and supporters, and spoke to the shared responsibility carried by institutions and individuals engaged in human rights work.
A reception then provided time for continued conversation beyond the program. The 2025 UNA-NCA Human Rights Awards affirmed the role of civil society, diplomacy, and community leadership in advancing human rights through accountability, public service, and sustained engagement.
