VILLA ALTAGRACIA, Dominican Republic, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Internationally recognized Dominican Republic human rights activist Sonia Pierre died after suffering a weekend heart attack, officials said. She was 48.
Expressions of sorrow at word of the Movimiento De Mujeres Dominico-Haitiana -- Movement of Dominican Haitian Women -- founder's sudden death Sunday outside Villa Altagracia came from around the world, including the U.S. State Department in Washington.
"She was a courageous human rights defender who dedicated her life to fighting anti-Haitian injustice in the Dominican Republic as well as the broader issue of statelessness," a State Department release said. "Through her brave actions, the world bears witness to the plight of those who remain stateless."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton awarded Pierre the department's 2010 International Women of Courage Award in March 2010 for her efforts in advancing "social justice, confronting exploitation and discrimination, defending the dignity of persons of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, and helping marginalized communities develop their own voices for their own future."
The Miami Herald reported Pierre is survived by her mother, 10 siblings, four children and three grandchildren.
