The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award identifies and honors those who embody Robert F. Kennedy’s belief that the power of individual and collective moral courage can overcome injustice. Each year, we honor outstanding champions of social justice who stand up to oppression, even at great personal risk, in the nonviolent pursuit of human rights.
This year, we're proud to present the RFK Human Rights Award to anti-detention and LGBTQ+ advocate, Arely Westley.
About Arely
A longtime advocate for immigrant, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities, Arely Westley works with numerous organizations in New Orleans to uplift LGBTQ+ youth, stop abuses in ICE detention facilities, and expand access to immigrant support services. Recognized for her tireless efforts to combat injustice, Westley joins a distinguished group of more than 50 defenders and organizations honored throughout the Award’s history.
Westley, who identifies as a trans-Latinx woman, moved to Louisiana from Honduras at a young age. She currently serves as the Campaign Director at BreakOUT!, an organization that seeks to empower Black and Latinx transgender and gender non-conforming youth through leadership development programs. She is also a vital member of the Southeast Dignity Not Detention Coalition (SDND), a group of nonprofits and grassroots organizations committed to advancing immigrants’ rights through legal and community support services.
The ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C. on June 6. To be notified when the event venue and time are confirmed, please sign up for updates below.