Bartolomé de las Casas

Bartolomé de las Casas was a Spanish Dominican friar and historian who became one of the first advocates for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas. Initially participating in the exploitation of native labor, he later became a vocal critic of Spanish colonial brutality, arguing for the humanity and dignity of indigenous Americans. His writings and advocacy played a significant role in shaping early human rights discourse and critiquing the moral failures of colonialism.