About the Award
With the vision of recognizing extraordinary civic courage and actions that prioritize responsibility to the wider community, defense of democracy, and promotion of human rights and civil liberties over self-interest, the Forum 2000 Foundation established the International Award for Courage and Responsibility in 2021. The Award is given to citizens or institutions selected in a three-stage process, involving the opinions of a rich variety of significant personalities of the Forum 2000 community.
About Rocío San Miguel
Rocío San Miguel is a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights activist specializing in military issues. She is the president of the NGO Control Ciudadano, which monitors national security, defense, the armed forces, and Venezuela's commitments to the Rome Statute and the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. San Miguel has faced ongoing harassment and defamation from government-associated groups, including a raid on her brother's home by SEBIN, defamatory statements by President Nicolás Maduro, personal threats, and accusations of espionage by officials. In February 2024, San Miguel was detained by Venezuelan security officials. After being held incommunicado for ten days, it was revealed that she was imprisoned at El Helicoide, the notorious headquarters of Venezuela’s intelligence service, where former detainees have reported torture and inhumane treatment. San Miguel’s arrest and disappearance underscore the regime's intent to spread fear and deepen divisions within Venezuelan society.
The 4th Forum 2000 Award for Courage and Responsibility recognizes Rocío's unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Her life and story remind us of the profound importance of courage in fulfilling our responsibility to the broader community. Despite the immense personal risk to herself and her family, Rocío has continued to advocate for transparent oversight of national security, defense, and the armed forces. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful example of the impact one individual can have in the fight for freedom and dignity for all.
Due to Rocío's imprisonment, her fellow countrywoman, Tamara Sujú Roa, received the award on her behalf.
Selection of photographs from the 4th Forum 2000 International Award for Courage and Responsibility Ceremony
