Victoria Luca has been designated as the 2023 Global Anti-racism Champion by the US Department of State. The announcement was made during the week by the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the USA, Viorel Ursu. ‘Meet the heroine of Moldova’ he had begun his post on Facebook.
A fierce advocate for the Roma community in Moldova, Victorina advocates for the rights of the marginalized and harassed. It takes a collective effort to eliminate intentional and unconscious biases in order to build a society that provides equal opportunities for self-realization to all. Congratulations and much courage, Victorina Luca, I wish you many more fulfilled dreams!” added Viorel Ursu.
“I am honored to be among these individuals. I am blessed. I am empowered,” wrote Victorina Luca on her account.
Victorina Laur is a member of the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Ensuring Equality. In addition to her, the same award was also given to five other activists: an anti-color discrimination activist from Tunisia; a social activist from Nepal representing the Dalit community; an indigenous and tribal leader from Bangladesh; a social activist of Afro-Peruvian descent from Peru; and an indigenous leader and lawyer from Brazil.
Established in 2023, the Global Anti-Racism Champions (GARC) Award honors individuals in the global civil society who have demonstrated courage, strength, leadership, and exceptional commitment to promoting the human rights of marginalized racial, ethnic, and indigenous communities, including people of African descent, and combating systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in their communities. GARC awardees are remarkable leaders in civil society who have been nominated by U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world.