Strengthening Justice Systems: Refugee Protection for Central American Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Speakers

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  Juan Miguel Rivera Regional Vice-President, Northern Triangle, IJM
  

  Juan Miguel Rivera

  Regional Vice-President, Northern Triangle, IJM

  Juan Miguel began his service with IJM in 2016 as Regional Security Manager, based in Guatemala City. In 2017 he moved to San Salvador, El Salvador with his family to lead IJM’s assessment and inception in that country which successfully resulted in the establishment of IJM’s field office in El Salvador and our program to combat violent crime. Since then and under his leadership, IJM has become a credible and trustworthy partner to the Salvadoran government in transforming its citizen security and justice agencies.

  Before IJM, Juan Miguel worked for international and social organizations like Transparency International, Action for Peace, Child Fund, and Peace Corps, focused on citizenship engagement, citizen security, risk reduction, and community development. Juan Miguel holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Rafael Landivar University and a master’s degree in Development from Universidad Catolica de Murcia, Spain.

  Juan Miguel enjoys playing with his children, reading, and motorcycle travel. He, his wife Veronica, and their children Mateo, Felipe and Amelia live in Guatemala City.

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  Lorianne Dueck Mobilization and Adovcacy Programs Coordinator, IJM Canada
  

  Lorianne Dueck

  Mobilization and Adovcacy Programs Coordinator, IJM Canada

  Lorianne is the Mobilization and Advocacy Programs Coordinatora at IJM Canada. Before joining IJM Canada in October 2020, she worked at the Centre for Faith and Public Life, Carleton University and Ottawa Walking Tours. She has co-authored case studies, supported businesses and fundraised with not-for-profits. This variety of experiences have developed a passion for helping Canadian faith organizations, government officials and students love their neighbours – especially those in vulnerable situations.

  She spent her childhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba before moving to Emo, a town of 1400 in North-Western Ontario. While she enjoys the beauty of rural Canada, her passion for cultures and international business brought her to Ottawa and eventually Mississauga – one of the most multicultural cities in the world. While Canada is her home, Lorianne has spent time living overseas and enjoys speaking other languages – especially Spanish. Lorianne holds a Bachelor of International Business with a concentration in Human Resources and International Strategy from Carleton University. She values being part of IJM’s global team that prioritizes communication and collaboration in the fight to end modern day slavery.

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  Loly Rico Director, FCJ Refugee Centre, and former President of the Canadian Council for Refugees
  

  Loly Rico

  Director, FCJ Refugee Centre, and former President of the Canadian Council for Refugees

  Loly Rico is a prominent advocate with decades of involvement raising awareness about the vulnerabilities that refugee women, non-status individuals, and other populations face. Loly, formally trained as a physiotherapist, started working with Down Syndrome children in El Salvador, becoming aware of how their human rights were abused, and how the tremendous needs of these children were not addressed by the government. Upon arrival in Canada, through her own experience as a refugee she became acutely aware of the situation of refugees in this part of the world. In 1991, she and Francisco founded the FCJ Hamilton House Refugee Project, with the invaluable support of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus. Loly has a deep understanding of what is involved in setting up a safe environment for a vulnerable group, one that invites them to rebuild a sense of self, and gives them tools to regain lost confidence.

  Loly was also a former President of both the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) and the Canadian Council of Refugees (CCR). Loly’s advocacy and work in supporting refugees has been widely recognized. In 2004, the City of Toronto awarded her the Constance E. Hamilton Award, for her unflinching commitment and contribution to women’s rights and social justice. She also received the YMCA Peace Medallion, and the YWCA Women of Distinction 2022.

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  Emilio Rodriguez Policy Analyst for Refugee and Migrant Rights, CPJ
  

  Emilio Rodriguez

  Policy Analyst for Refugee and Migrant Rights, CPJ

  Emilio Rodriguez is CPJ’s Policy Analyst for Refugee and Migrant Rights. Originally from El Salvador, Emilio migrated to Canada in 2016, quickly becoming involved in refugee and migrant rights advocacy by being a founding member of a refugee sponsorship organization and coordinating public education projects with UN agencies. He earned a BA in International Affairs from Trinity Western University in December, 2019.

  Prior to CPJ, Emilio worked at ParlAmericas, the institution that promotes parliamentary diplomacy in the 35 national legislatures of the Americas and the Caribbean. There, he implemented programs and organized hemispheric summits to promote gender-responsive legislation and youth political leadership. Emilio has published research on forced migration with the American Enterprise Institute and political commentary with the Macdonald Laurier Institute. He has been recognized as a OYW Peace Ambassador by the European Commission, and a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum. Emilio is set to complete a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Carleton University in December 2023.