Katya Salazar is a Peruvian lawyer with a Master’s degree in International Public Law and is the author of various articles on topics related to international human rights law and transitional justice. Since 2009, she has served as the Executive Director of DPLF.

Throughout her leadership, she has been instrumental in advancing significant initiatives and programs at DPLF. Notably, she spearheaded the creation of the Climate Justice and Human Rights program (previously known as Human Rights and Natural Resources), which addresses the role of international law in defending land, territory, and natural resources in the region. Katya has also encouraged DPLF’s active participation in regional discussions aimed at strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System.

Previously, Katya held the position of Deputy Coordinator of the Special Investigations Unit of the Truth Commission in Peru. In this role, she led investigations related to serious human rights violations that occurred between 1980 and 2000 in the country. Her prior experience includes working in the Human Rights Office of the Ombudsman’s Office in Peru and at the Instituto de Defensa Legal, a Peruvian non-governmental organization.

Additionally, she was part of the legal team of the Coalition Against Impunity in Germany, where she prepared the complaint and promoted the prosecution of Argentine military personnel responsible for the disappearance of German citizens during the Argentine dictatorship.

Katya Salazar completed her law studies at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) and obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Heidelberg in Germany.