NWIRP wins City of Seattle Human Rights Award

Award to be presented during Human Rights Day Celebration, Thursday, December 11

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is honored to receive the 2008 Human Rights Award from the City of Seattle, Office for Civil Rights. The award will be presented at the 13th annual Seattle Human Rights Day Celebration, commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Jorge L. Barón, Executive Director of Northwest Immigrant Right Project will accept the award on behalf of the organization. “We are humbled by this recognition and grateful that the City of Seattle has chosen to highlight our work,” said Mr. Barón. “As we celebrate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we should keep in mind that the protection of human rights is an ongoing endeavor at the global, national and local levels. This award recognizes the dedication of NWIRP’s staff, pro bono attorneys, volunteers and supporters, all of whom work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of low-income immigrants and refugees are respected. Most of all, however, this award recognizes the courage of our clients, many of whom have endured staggering adversity, but who have persevered to make a better life in this country.”

The Human Rights Celebration will be held at Town Hall Seattle on 8th Avenue at Seneca, on Thursday December 11th from 7-9pm and will feature speaker Dr. Robert Bullard, a leading expert on environmental justice and race. As part of this year’s celebration, Dr. Bullard will also speak at a daytime event from 11:30–1pm on Wednesday, December 10th at Seattle City Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

About NWIRP

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project is the only organization providing comprehensive immigration legal services for low-income families in Washington State. Our clients include: survivors of persecution and torture who are seeking asylum; abused and neglected children who need protection; survivors of domestic violence or other serious crimes who are seeking immigration status; lawful permanent residents who are applying to become citizens; and immigrants who are facing deportation or indefinite separation from their loved ones. Each year NWIRP serves more than 10,000 low-income immigrants from more than 100 countries, from offices in Seattle, Granger, Tacoma and Moses Lake.

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice for low-income immigrants by pursuing and defending their legal status. We focus on providing direct legal services, supported by our education and public policy work. NWIRP is the only entity in the list of “Free Legal Services” that is given to individuals placed in removal (aka deportation) proceedings in Washington State.

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