15 June 2026
Bilbao
On 18 June, the University of Deusto hosted the high-level dialogue ‘Human Rights and Democratic Coexistence: Education for Social Transformation’, an event which included the award ceremony for the 6th edition of the ‘Óscar Arnulfo Romero’ Ibero-American Human Rights Education Award.
Organised by the Ibero-American States Organization for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) and the Basque Government, in collaboration with the University of Deusto and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the event brought together institutional representatives, international experts, civil society organisations and leaders of educational projects from different countries to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of human rights education in building more just, inclusive and cohesive societies.
Furthermore, the award ceremony recognised a number of projects promoting the defence of fundamental rights through education. This award, named after Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero – a leading international figure in social justice – is part of the Ibero-American programme on Human Rights Education, democracy and equality.
Democracy and human rights
The event was opened by the Vice-Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxeberria, who, in his address, highlighted the deep interconnection between democratic coexistence and human rights. “Human rights and democratic coexistence are not separate realities: they depend on and mutually support one another,” he stated, and warned that democracy teaches us to manage differences “through dialogue, law, listening, deliberation and respect for institutions”, stressing that no person ever loses their dignity, even when they think in radically different ways.
In this regard, Rector Etxeberria emphasised the crucial role of education in making hidden suffering visible, appealing to public responsibility, and preventing the normalisation of injustice. Similarly, he linked the legacy of Saint Óscar Romero with the mission of the University itself: "Knowledge and justice do not belong to separate worlds. The University cannot be self-contained; it is called to seek truth, but also to ask itself in whose service it places that truth.” Finally, he highlighted the particular significance of holding this event in the Basque Country, a land where it is understood that “coexistence is not improvised, it is rebuilt step by step”, and where the memory of, and recognition of, the dignity of victims are essential to a shared future. Speech.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Basque Government, ombuds institutions, international organisations, and Ibero-American civil society organisations. Participants included Mariano Jabonero, Secretary-General of the OEI; María Jesús San José López, Minister for Justice and Human Rights of the Basque Government; Santiago Roura, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport; and Ángel Gabilondo, Spanish Ombudsman.
