Bartolome de las Casas

Spanish Dominican friar and former colonist who became the first systematic advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples — documenting Spanish atrocities in A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies (1542).

First human rights advocacy: Las Casas's Brief Account documented Spanish genocidal violence against indigenous peoples in horrifying detail — and addressed it directly to the King of Spain. His advocacy led to the New Laws (1542), which limited indigenous enslavement and established legal protections. The first instance of what we now recognize as human rights advocacy: documenting atrocity, framing it as a violation of universal principles, and advocating for legal reform. Also established the 'Black Legend' of Spanish colonial violence, subsequently weaponized by Protestant European powers for propaganda.