The Defender Network is comprised of human rights organizations and individual advocates, in the migrant sending countries, who facilitate employment law cases for migrant workers in partnership with advocates in the countries of employment. The Defenders also identify cases of migrants who have suffered labor exploitation and educate migrants on their labor rights.
The Defender Network was launched in April 2008 in Chiapas, Mexico when the first group convened for an intensive training. Through the training program, the Defenders learned about U.S. employment-related law, human trafficking, U.S. civil procedure, and international law. See more information and photos from the inaugural training, and the Second Defender training.
Currently, the Global Workers Defender Network is operational in Mexico and Guatemala. Over time, the Network will expand within Mexico and Guatemala as well as to additional countries.
Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Matias de Cordova, A.C., "Fray Matias"
Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
Centro de Derechos Humanos "José María Morelos y Pavón," A.C., "Centro Morelos"
Chilapa de Álvarez, Guerrero, Mexico
Centro de Derechos Humanos Ñu'u Ji Kandií A.C., "Ñu'u Ji Kandií"
Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales, "FIOB"
Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
RED de Defensores Comunitarios por los Derechos Humanos A.C., "La Red"
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Tequio Jurídico A.C.
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico
G & C Consultores
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Hector Waldemar Barrera Palma
Zacapa, Guatemala
Herman Aroldo Palacios Hernández
Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Global Workers Justice Alliance. 789 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238