The Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) and the Alliance for the Protection of Children (APN) express their deep sorrow for the death, on November 29, 2020, of Sist. Carmela Gibajá Izquierdo, Spanish nun of the Angel de la Guarda Congregation, in El Salvador.
The Hna. Ella Gibajá was a great promoter of interreligious dialogue and collaboration, committed to protecting the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in Latin America, where she lived and worked for 25 years.
She stood out, in particular, for her tireless work in the fight against human trafficking in Central America, particularly in the population of children, women and youth. She was Coordinator of the RED RAMÁ and of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Conference of Religious Men and Women of El Salvador (RED RAMÁ and JPIC-CONFRES); She is a member of the Commission against human trafficking of the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR), and an executive of the Talitha Kum network against human trafficking for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sister Gibajá was the representative of JPIC-CONFRES in the Alliance for the Protection of Children in El Salvador and was part of the first Management Committee of the GNRC in El Salvador, representing the Youth House of Popotlan, an active member of the net.
We deeply thank Sister for her dedication and service for the well-being of children, as well as for her advocacy work for the protection of children in situations of human mobility and the elimination of all forms of violence against children, girls and adolescents.
We express our condolences to the Sisters of the Guardian Angel Congregation and her family and join in prayer for her eternal rest.
Rest in peace!