LexisNexis finanziert Alpbach Stipendium – Heroes don’t wear capes

LexisNexis übernimmt Verantwortung und fördert auf vielfältige Weise Rechtstaatlichkeit und den Zugang zum Recht („Rule of Law“). Neben unzähligen weltweiten und nationalen gemeinnützigen Projekten finanziert LexisNexis Österreich dieses Jahr ein European Forum Alpbach Scholarship für Wilson Torres Roman, einem Menschenrechtsanwalt aus Ecuador. Im Interview schildert er seine Entschlossenheit zB Opfer von organisiertem Verbrechen zu helfen.

Hi Wilson, LexisNexis is happy to support your EFA Scholarship, please tell us about your background.

I’m an Ecuadorian human rights lawyer focused on access to rights and services for displaced populations. I’m originally from Ambato, a city in the Ecuadorian highlands, but I’ve spent the past decade abroad for my studies and professional work. I studied law in Ecuador and received a scholarship to pursue an LLM at SOAS, University of London, in 2017. Since then, I’ve worked with NGOs and the UN in various contexts across Central America, South America, and East Africa.

Speaking about law, what are you passionate about?

My main interests lie in strategic litigation and advocacy for displaced populations. I’ve also been involved in efforts to support human rights defenders, survivors of violence and individuals reporting organized crime by advocating for solutions. 

Why did you want to attend Forum Alpbach?

I first heard about Alpbach through LinkedIn, and then spoke with a former colleague from Italy who attended as a scholar some years ago. I was drawn to the Forum’s core themes and especially interested in how Europe might collaborate with Ecuador to address the current challenges of organized crime and displacement. I’m currently in a period of transition, aiming to reestablish myself in Ecuador to work directly with victims of organized crime. At the same time, I’m keen to explore energy transition policies.   

What are your impressions so far?

My expectations for the Forum are to deepen my understanding of climate change, energy transition, criminal justice, and how economic factors intersect with access to rights. In just the first couple of days, I’ve already met incredible people and attended thought-provoking sessions. Today, I joined a discussion on juvenile justice systems, which sparked many ideas I hope to develop further over the next two weeks.

Thank you very much!