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Democracy's Hero

2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012

For 30 years IRI staff have had the privileges to work with committed and courageous individuals who are working to improve the communities and countries. Here are a few of their stories.

Democracy’s Hero: José Ramos-Horta

Few individuals embody the spirit of democracy more than José Ramos-Horta.  A founding father of Timor-Leste, he has selflessly dedicated his life to fighting for freedom and independence and for the cause of human rights worldwide.

Democracy’s Hero: Andrés Carrión Álvarez

Prior to March 26, 2012, Carrión was simply another unemployed, 38 year-old Cuban.  All of this changed when he attended attended Pope Benedict XVI’s public mass at Antonio Maceo Square and shouted out “libertad” (freedom) and “abajo el Comunismo” (down with Communism).

Democracy’s Hero: Ambassador Nasim Firdaus

Firdaus has been an advocate of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh for more than 30 years.  As the first female diplomat and later as the founder of the Bangladesh Alliance for Women Leadership, Firdaus’ commitment has moved Bangladesh forward. 

Democracy’s Hero: Congressman Donald Payne

The cause of democracy lost a true friend and advocate with the passing of Representative Donald M. Payne on March 6, 2012.  During his years in Congress, Payne was at the forefront of efforts to restore democracy and human rights in nations around the world.

Democracy’s Hero: Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro

Colonel Bakosoro has devoted his life to the promotion of unity, transparency and the democratic process in his native South Sudan since the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which officially ended his country’s devastating civil war.