The University of Dayton Human Rights Center, invites you to nominate candidates for the 2027 recipient of the Romero Human Rights Award. Established in 2000 by the University of Dayton, the Romero Human Rights Award commemorates the ministry and martyrdom of Saint Oscar Romero, the slain Salvadoran Archbishop. The award honors individuals or organizations whose lives and work contribute significantly to the alleviation of human suffering and injustice.
The physical award itself is a deeply meaningful symbol of the University’s identity: a custom bronze statue of Saint Oscar Romero, originally sculpted by Emily Trick and Brother Gary Marcinowski, S.M., of the University of Dayton’s Department of Visual Arts. By presenting this enduring symbol, the University welcomes new laureates into a distinguished lineage of global advocates who embody Romero’s spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
At a time when democratic institutions, human rights protections, and public trust are under strain globally, there is a vital need to highlight leaders who view public service as an ethical and moral obligation.
The theme for 2027, “Faith, Ethics, and Public Service: Advancing Transitional Justice in a Changing World,” anchors this inquiry within the framework of Transitional Justice (TJ). Archbishop Romero’s legacy is fundamentally tied to the pillars of TJ: uncovering truth, demanding legal accountability, seeking reparations, and pursuing institutional reforms to guarantee non-recurrence of abuses.
The deadline for the nominations is Friday, October 2, 2026
Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/
