Baroness Sal Brinton, Member of House of Lords and Human Rights Chair of Liberal International, delivers her remarks as she presents the 2025 Geneva Summit Courage Award to President-elect Edmundo González and opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Full Remarks:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Liberal International is a proud, long-time partner of the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, and I am honored to be here today for the 17th annual summit, to present the 2025 Courage Award.
Each year, this prize recognizes those who have shown bravery in the defense of freedom and human dignity. This year, 30 human rights groups that co-sponsor the Geneva Summit have chosen to honor two inspiring figures from Venezuela: President-elect Edmundo González, and María Corina Machado.
For over two decades, the people of Venezuela have suffered under a regime that systematically dismantled democratic institutions, suppressed dissent, and trampled fundamental human rights. The situation has become so bad that over 7 million people have fled the country.
Against this backdrop of repression and hardship, Edmundo González and María Corina Machado have emerged as beacons of moral courage, offering the Venezuelan people a vision of hope and renewal.
Ms. Machado has spent years at the forefront of the opposition, standing strong in the face of authoritarianism. Despite being barred from running for office, and facing relentless persecution, she has never wavered in her resolve to restore democracy in her country. Her voice has been a rallying cry for millions who dream of a free and prosperous Venezuela.
Edmundo González, a seasoned diplomat, was thrust into the political spotlight at a critical moment. As the consensus candidate of the democratic opposition, his calm resolve, principled leadership, and defense of democratic values have inspired a nation yearning for change.
Despite all attempts by the regime to obstruct, intimidate, and delegitimize the opposition, the Venezuelan people have spoken. The historic victory of Edmundo González in the presidential election of last July represents not only a triumph of democracy, but also a testament to the resilience of those who have fought for it.
But be in no doubt, María Corina Machado and Edmundo González have risked everything for a cause greater than themselves—the right of their people to live in freedom and dignity.
For their dedication to democracy in defiance of dictatorship, for their faith in the triumph of the human spirit, we are proud to present the 2025 Courage Award to President-elect Edmundo González and María Corina Machado. Maria cannot be here, as she cannot leave Venezuela, but President-elect González, we are so honored to have you with us. Please come forward to receive this well-deserved recognition.
