Jared Laureles
La Jornada Newspaper
Saturday, December 6, 2025, p. 8
To make their struggles visible and demand justice for human rights defenders, fifty social organizations announced the call for the 31st edition of the Sergio Méndez Arceo National Human Rights Award 2026.
The award is given every year to recognize, accompany and promote solidarity with organizations, groups and people who have stood out for their value in defending and promoting a culture of respect for the human rights of vulnerable groups in our country.
“We arrive at this 31st edition with a living memory and an alert conscience. We are not indifferent to the international alarm represented by the genocide in the Gaza Strip that reminds us why it is essential to continue fighting,” they stated.
At a press conference, they invited groups, organizations and the general public to nominate the candidates. The registration period began yesterday and will remain open until February 6, 2026 at the headquarters of the Organizing Committee: Sergio Méndez Arceo Foundation Office. They mentioned that the award includes two categories: group and individual.
The jury will meet on March 13, 2026 and the results will be announced on the 25th of the same month through a press conference. The award ceremony will be held on April 25 next year and the place and time will be announced in due course.
The name of the award is in memory and recognition of the seventh bishop of Cuernavaca, Sergio, who advocated for the students in 1968 and defended the right of worker, peasant and community organizations to demand means and conditions to improve the quality of life of people.
