Biography

Anthropologist and human rights activist Abel Barrera Hernández is a Local Hero both in his hometown of Tlapa de Comonfort, Guerrero and throughout Mexico. In 1994, after 12 years of study in theology and anthropology with a focus on indigenous peoples’ human rights, Abel returned to his hometown, to establish what has become one of the most respected and successful human rights organizations in Mexico, Tlachinollan. Abel transformed a small and under-funded effort into a successful organization that is trusted by indigenous communities and respected by partner organizations across Mexico, the U.S. and the international community. Working under constant threat from lawless narco-violence and military impunity, Tlachinollan is a critical advocate protecting human rights in a time that is especially trying for Mexican defenders.

Abel and his expert staff of over 25 committed individuals engage both indigenous and peasant grassroots groups, documenting human rights violations, bringing legal cases on their behalf, advocating tirelessly to improve their access to legal representation, healthcare, housing, education and building capacity of small human rights organizations. For nearly 20 years, Abel has been organizing communities and championing the rights and dignity of the under-represented and threatened indigenous people of Guerrero. In one year alone, Tlachinollan produced favorable legal results for 100 cases and responded to a total of 1,551 complaints, 377 of which were human rights violations committed by State actors.