The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) and the Taller Arte dos Gráfico have collaborated to produce the book “Territorios,” which translates to “Territories” in English. This remarkable work is the result of the artistic collaboration between Marcelo Brodsky, an artist from Argentina, and Fernando Bryce, an artist from Peru. Their artwork breathes life into the stories, struggles, and extraordinary contributions of ten courageous activists who made the ultimate sacrifice while championing critical causes such as environmental preservation, human rights, non-violence, and democracy in Latin America.

CEJIL fully supports this initiative with the aim of shedding light on the risks faced by human rights defenders in the region. Our goal is to foster meaningful conversations and concrete actions for their protection. As documented in numerous reports, Latin America stands as the most perilous region in the world for human rights defenders. Much of the progress in democracy within the region owes a debt of gratitude to the tireless dedication and mobilization of these defenders in their communities and territories, a dedication exemplified by the ten individuals immortalized in Brodsky and Bryce’s artwork.

The creation of this innovative artwork took place during the residency of these renowned artists at El Espacio 23, a contemporary art space that houses the collection of Jorge M. Pérez, located in the city of Miami in June 2022. Since then, CEJIL has engaged in ongoing exchanges with the artists, focusing on key cases to incorporate into their work. These cases include Marielle Franco from Brazil, Berta Cáceres from Honduras, Hugo Torres from Nicaragua, Myrna Mack from Guatemala, and Marisela Escobedo from Mexico (whose cases received critical legal assistance from CEJIL.). The artwork also pays homage to Jesusita “Tuta” Moreno from Colombia, who was tragically assassinated during the creation of the piece, as well as Edwin Chota, an Asháninka leader from Peru, Camilo Catrillanca, a Chilean Mapuche activist, Chico Mendes from Brazil, the first to give his life in defense of the Amazon, and Jorge Julio López from Argentina, a victim and witness of state terrorism who disappeared in 2006 after providing testimony to the authorities.