Coalition pays tribute to APRODEH founder Francisco Soberón Garrido

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francisco “Pancho” Soberón Garrido (1948-2022). 

Francisco was an extraordinary human rights defender and advocate for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the world and in the Americas. 

As the founder of La Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (APRODEH) in Peru, a Coalition Steering Committee member, he participated in the conference which led to the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998 and had a prominent role in the creation of the Court and ratification of the Rome Statute in the region. Not only was he instrumental in organising civil society organisations in the region before and after 1998, he also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Coalition in which he remained active for many years.  APRODEH also hosted the first Coalition Secretariat office in the Americas.

In addition to working throughout the Americas to promote the advancement of the Rome Statute, Pancho was a tireless advocate in some of the most pressing human rights situations in the region. From within APRODEH, he worked tirelessly to defend victims of human rights violations during the armed conflict in Peru, including the Barrios Altos massacre.

APRODEH played a key role in the extradition of Fujimori to Peru to stand trial. Beyond Peru, and even when his health deteriorated, he raised his voice in the face of human rights violations in every corner of the region, and built a legacy as an irreplaceable human rights defender, generous mentor, and selfless advocate for justice.

We send our sincerest condolences to Pancho’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

APRODEH’s tribute: http://www.aprodeh.org.pe/pancho-soberon-vive-y-vivira-en-el-corazon-de-su-pueblo-en-la-luchas-por-todos-los-derechos-para-todas-y-todos/

FIDH’s tribute: https://www.fidh.org/es/region/americas/peru/la-fidh-esta-de-luto?var_mode=calcul