Post submitted by Jay Gilliam, HRC Senior Global Programs Officer

Former HRC Global Fellow Diego Mora Bello of Colombia recently shared his work on why language is important in Latin American media coverage of HIV at the International Youth Forum (IYF) on Human Rights and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Forum is a two-day gathering of more than 140 young experts from 17 countries in Kathmandu, Nepal where they discussed global human rights issues and the role of youth in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Participating in this event was a great opportunity to share with the youth of other countries the importance of language in the defense of human rights,” said Mora. “In particular, I shared research that I am developing to deal with the stigma and discrimination that people with HIV experience. It’s an innovative strategy that, in the end, affects most LGBTQ people."

Mora completed his research of Latin American media coverage of HIV while he was an HRC Global Fellow from October 2016 - April 2017. During Mora’s time as a Global Fellow, he learned from HRC’s experiences advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community. Mora also learned how HIV impacts LGBTQ people and the importance of correctly reporting about HIV.

While there is a long way to go to achieve the United Nations’ SDGs, Mora remains committed to the cause and is more prepared than ever to fight for equal rights.

“The Forum renewed my commitment to work and gave me access to a wider network of young global peers to help my work,” Mora said.

HRC was glad to support Mora attending the youth conference and is proud to call Mora an HRC Global Fellow. HRC looks forward to following his work in the future.

HRC Global is proud to amplify the work of creative, courageous and effective leaders like Mora who are committed to advocating for the rights of LGBTQ people in Colombia. HRC Global advocates for LGBTQ equality around the world. Read more about our work here and our Global Fellows program here.

Above from left to right: Andrew Chalmers, President for South Asia Region of Youth for Human Rights International; Jamille De-Andra, participant by Jamaica; Diego Mora, participant by Colombia and Rahul KC, President for Nepal Youth for Human Rights International & IYF Nepal 2017