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IDC


We empower advocates and non-profits dedicated to championing universal human rights, interfaith harmony, promoting social justice, and environmental protection.

Olivia Cantu Monette

Executive Director

International Defenders Council

I definitely didn't get here overnight though.

In fact, quite the opposite...


My journey into the heart of human rights advocacy has been one of relentless pursuit, guided by a deep commitment to justice and community empowerment. As the Executive Director of the International Defenders Council, I've channeled my passion for helping people stand up for their human rights to strengthening emerging nonprofits.

My work has taken me from...

the bustling communities of Florida and New York, where I've pushed for minority rights and voter initiatives, to the challenging political landscapes of the United States, Mexico, India, Kashmir,
and Bangladesh, advocating against discriminatory laws and human rights abuses and championing interfaith unity.

I started off like many of you did.

For many years I was a college protestor, door canvasser, campus volunteer, and I made thousands of calls and did letter writing for causes. I then went on to work on community and grassroots organzing, creating successful ambassador programs, as a nonprofit State Director, and that led to work as a nonprofit state Operations DIrector, until I became an Executive Director of a nonprofit.

During those years I also worked under contract for various nonprofits as an Advocacy Associate and spent the next ten years in and out of Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., lobbying for legislative changes or mobilizing communities for action.

The one connecting link being that each step has been fueled by a desire to create a more equitable and compassionate world.

Aligning with global movements and sustainable development goals, I now strive to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are not only heard but also championed. This path hasn't been easy, but it has been incredibly fulfilling, knowing that each effort contributes to the larger fight for dignity and justice for all.

Here are a few legislative and grassroots movemements that the IDC Team has been at the forefront of since 2001:

DREAM Act Advocacy: Pushing for legislative reforms through the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act to support undocumented minors in the U.S.

Occupy Miami Movement: Leading communications for Latin American communities, emphasizing social and economic justice.

DACA Initiatives: Supporting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy to protect young immigrants from deportation.

Florida Muslim Capitol Day: Participating in advocacy efforts to enhance the civil rights of Muslim Floridians.

Florida Broward County Sanctuary Resolutions: Working towards establishing sanctuary policies that protect immigrant communities.

Day of Action for Immigrant and Workers Justice: Organizing and engaging in events to promote rights and fair treatment for immigrants and workers.

NO BAN Act: Advocating against the Muslim Ban, emphasizing inclusivity and fairness in immigration policies.

Kashmir Human Rights: Raising international awareness about ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir, India.

Hindutva Nationalism: Addressing the concerning rise of Hindutva nationalism and its impact on human rights in India.

ICE Detention Center Abuses: Highlighting and combating human rights abuses within ICE detention facilities.

Transnational Repression Bill: Currently advocating for this bill to address and curb the global issue of transnational repression.

Here are a few projects IDC advocated for in the last year!

NAMTA Congressional Briefing for Manipur

NAMTA Congressional Briefing for Manipur

The International Defenders Council (IDC) organized a congressional briefing for the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Manipur, India. The... ...more

Congressional Briefing

May 06, 20240 min read

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