Human Rights First Welcomes Enrique Roig as Vice President for External Relations
New York, NY – Human Rights First is pleased to welcome Enrique Roig as our new Vice President for External Relations In this role, Roig will lead Human Rights First’s efforts to build partnerships, shape external engagement, and amplify the voices of human rights defenders in the United States and around the world.
A bold and strategic leader, Roig brings more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, development, and civil society engagement across Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus.
“We are thrilled to welcome Enrique to the Human Rights First team,” said Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First. “His extensive experience in strengthening democratic institutions, advancing civic engagement, and defending human rights will be invaluable as we confront rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space around the world. Enrique’s vision, energy, and international experience will help us expand our reach and impact in this critical moment for human rights.”
Before joining Human Rights First, Roig served as Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Seattle International Foundation, where he spearheaded initiatives to strengthen democracy, defend civic space, and advance equitable development across Central America. He also serves on the Board of World Connect, supporting grassroots innovation globally.
Roig’s distinguished public service includes senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of State, where he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, overseeing the Western Hemisphere and Africa portfolios, and as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, focused on migration and security issues. At USAID, he coordinated the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), pioneering community-based violence prevention strategies. His leadership earned him four USAID awards for outstanding performance.
Throughout his career, Roig has directed democracy, human rights, and citizen-security programs in Colombia, Serbia, and Central America, working directly with governments, civil society, and international partners to reduce violence, strengthen democratic institutions, and resolve conflict.
“I am deeply honored to join Human Rights First at such a pivotal time for human rights and democracy,” said Roig. “For decades, this organization has been a force for justice and accountability. I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to build powerful partnerships, elevate the work of human rights defenders, and advance the fight for freedom and dignity everywhere.”
