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Board Announcement: Appointment of Camila Barretto Maia as Executive Director

Board Announcement: Appointment of Camila Barretto Maia as Executive Director

The Board of the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Camila Barretto Maia as Executive Director, effective immediately. This follows Camila’s service as Acting Executive Director since November 2024 and acknowledges her demonstrated leadership, clarity of vision and alignment with the organisation’s values and direction.

With deep experience in human rights advocacy, litigation and policy, Camila has worked across national, regional and multilateral spaces. A Brazilian national, she has engaged extensively throughout Latin America, with a particular focus on the intersections of authoritarianism, economic justice and social rights, and on strategic engagement with regional and international human rights mechanisms. 

She previously led the international work of the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS) in Argentina, where she coordinated regional initiatives on tax justice, corporate accountability and Indigenous rights. Her work spans institutional representation, legal research, strategic litigation, coalition building, programme management and resource mobilisation, always in close collaboration with social movements and national  organisations.

‘Leading a small international NGO focused on economic and social rights in today’s unstable context is a serious challenge: and a responsibility I’m honoured to take on. Now more than ever, the world must confront inequality with courage and ambition, and GI has a key role to play. I step into this role with confidence in the strong foundation built by those before me and in the exceptional team whose passion and expertise continue to drive our work forward.’ — Camila Barretto Maia, Executive Director

This transition follows the departure of Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, who served as Executive Director of GI-ESCR for five years. During her tenure, Magdalena led a significant institutional strengthening process that has left the organisation on a solid and accountable footing. She oversaw the development of robust governance models, the formalisation of internal policies, the establishment of well-structured Board processes, and the consolidation of transparent, well-managed finances. Camila’s previous role as Deputy Director during Magdalena’s tenure places her in a unique position to build from this strong foundation. 

Camila's appointment marks a new chapter in the organisation’s journey. She assumes leadership with a combination of technical rigour, political acuity and experience bridging between the national, regional and international levels. As Executive Director, she will continue to guide a highly skilled and committed global team in advancing the organisation’s vision: a world in which economic, social and cultural rights are realised for all.

Sincerely,

Rachel Moussié
Chair of the Board
Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

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