Milagros Valenzuela, a dedicated lawyer in Buenos Aires, champions the rights of migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations. Her work is a powerful blend of professional excellence and a deep personal commitment to social justice, embodying the resilience, empathy, and dedication required in the human rights field.
Milagros’s passion for international law was evident from the very beginning of her academic journey. She studied Law at the University of Buenos Aires, where she developed a keen interest in Public International Law, particularly in the areas of Refugee Law and International Humanitarian Law.
After graduating, she faced the challenge of finding a professional path in a field that is often difficult to navigate. However, her determination led her to the National Public Defender’s Office, where she has been working for several years. Her role has evolved from defending migrants facing expulsion orders to implementing international cooperation projects.
Her commitment to her field is matched by her desire for continuous learning and professional development. This drive led her to enroll in The Sanremo Institute Migration Law Course. For Milagros, the course was not just an academic endeavor but a transformative experience that aligned perfectly with her professional goals.
“The Sanremo Institute is one of the most specialized, serious, and professional institutions in the field of international law,” Milagros explains. “I’ve been following the Institute’s activities for many years, and I knew that taking a course with them would be a valuable addition to my professional toolkit.”
The course, which focused on International Migration Law, provided Milagros with up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes, migratory patterns, and innovative practices in the field. It also offered her the opportunity to connect with experts and peers from around the world, fostering a sense of global collaboration that is essential in her line of work.
“The course was a catalyst for new ideas,” Milagros says. “It allowed me to think about how we can improve the protection of migrants and refugees in our region, and how we can promote better public defense for these vulnerable populations.”
The knowledge and insights gained from the Sanremo Institute have had a direct impact on her work. She is currently involved in the Inter-American Network for the Defense of Persons in the Context of Mobility set forth by the Interamerican Association of Public Defenders (AIDEF), a regional initiative that aims to improve access to justice for migrants and refugees. The network, which was launched in 2021, focuses on generating publications, sharing best practices, and providing international cooperation within public defenders working on migration/refugee-related cases.
One of the network’s most significant achievements has been the collaboration between Argentina and Bolivia in cases involving small-scale drug trafficking. Milagros and her team have worked closely with Bolivian authorities to coordinate reports which support Bolivian nationals deprived of their liberty who need to return to their country of origin to do so, particularly in cases where they are the primary caregivers for their families. This innovative approach has not only improved the lives of those directly affected but has also set a precedent for cross-border collaboration in the region.
“I believe that everyone deserves a chance, especially those who have been marginalized or excluded from society. Public defense is often the only instance where someone listens to these individuals, and I feel privileged to be able to provide that support.”
One of the most moving moments in her career came during COVID-19, when she worked on a case involving a young individual with a disability who was stranded abroad. The individual’s mother was desperate to reunite with her child, and Milagros and her team worked tirelessly to navigate the complex legal and logistical challenges posed by the pandemic. In the end, they succeeded in reuniting the family, a moment that Milagros describes as one of the most rewarding of her career.
Milagros’s journey is far from over. She continues to teach at the University of Buenos Aires, where she is helping to shape the next generation of human rights advocates. She is also working on several publications related to public defense and migration which will contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees in the region.
Milagros is eager to continue her collaboration with the Sanremo Institute. “The course was a turning point for me,” she says. “It not only provided me with valuable knowledge but also inspired me to think about new ways to improve the services we provide. I’m excited to see how we can continue to work together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Sanremo Institute has long been a guiding force for professionals like Milagros Valenzuela, offering not just valuable knowledge but also a platform to transform learning into meaningful action.
