On June 20 in Madrid, Spain, YO DONA magazine announced that Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) attorney Almudena Bernabeu was the 2012 recipient of its prestigious International Award for Professional Work. This is the seventh edition of the YO DONA International Awards, which recognizes the work of women from all over the world that embody humanitarian values and professional excellence. Bernabeu was awarded for her legal work on behalf of victims and survivors of crimes against humanity. There are two award categories: International Professional Work and International Humanitarian Work. The 2012 Humanitarian award winner is Chdo Govera, a Zimbabwean orphan who is dedicated to helping orphans overcome adversity and live fruitful lives.
The awards were presented at a high-profile event last week.
“CJA is honored that Almudena is receiving this tremendous honor for her work on behalf of victims and survivors of crimes against humanity,” said Pamela Merchant, Executive Director of CJA. “Almudena has been fighting tirelessly to hold human rights abusers accountable for their actions and we are proud of her for receiving this well-deserved award.”
The Award Jury included Vandana Shiva (winner of the Humanitarian Work in 2009); Ymelda Navajo, general manager of La Esfera de los Libros; Blanca Berasategui, editor of the Cultural; Fiorenza Vallino, Diamante d’Alessio, editor of IO DONNA; Anne-Florence Schmitt, editor of Madame Figaro, Laura Torres, editor of Maxima, Victoria Prego, attached editor of EL MUNDO and Charo Izquierdo, editor of YO DONA. Past winners include journalist and humanitarian, Lydia Cacho, who recently received the Center for Justice & Accountability’s 2012 Champion of Justice Award; Swiss Ambassador in Argentina, Carla Del Ponte, former top model Bibi Russell; eco-feminist, Vandana Shiva; Italian architect Benedetta Tagliabue; Afghan activist Malalai Joya; Director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, María Blasco; and English actress Kate Winslet.
