Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo received a new award recognizing their enduring Human Rights struggle and vital work in recovering identities of children stolen during Argentina’s 1976-1983 civil-military dictatorship.

Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo organizations were presented with the esteemed “Lawyers of Atocha” Award in Madrid, Spain, celebrating their relentless dedication to Human Rights and the crucial fight for the identity of children and grandchildren stolen during Argentina’s last civic-military dictatorship in Argentina.

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The solemn ceremony took place under the monument commemorating the assassination of five labor lawyers by an extreme-right group in 1977, before moving to the Marcelino Camacho Auditorium for further commemoration, which underscores the global solidarity for Human Rights and the enduring impact of the Madres and Abuelas’ unwavering quest for justice.

Carmen Arias, President of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo Association, expressed that the award “gives strength to continue the struggle” and emphasized the importance of activism, not only nationally but also internationally.

Representing the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, Leonardo Fossati, a recovered grandson, traveled from Argentina to accept the recognition. “We are here to honor and receive this award that deeply moves us”, he stated, emphasizing “the importance of sustaining a living memory to strengthen a fairer democracy and keep these struggles alive.”

A Legacy of Resistance

The “Lawyers of Atocha” Award has its origins in the tragic Atocha massacre. Every January 24, the night in 1977 is remembered when an extreme-right group brutally murdered five militant lawyers in their office on Atocha Street.

Almost five decades after that heinous crime, the recognition seeks to keep alive the memory of those who were assassinated for defending labor rights.

The award is a symbol of resistance against political violence and a commitment to justice, reflecting Spain’s own complex history of transition from dictatorship to democracy, which draws parallels between the struggles faced by workers and human rights activists in both countries.

Text reads: “49 Anniversary. Today, January 24, as every year, in the Marcelino Camacho Auditorium of Madrid we pay tribute to the Atocha Lawyers killed for defending rights and freedom. The Atocha Lawyers Foundation will present its annual awards to recognize outstanding individuals and entities in defense of freedom and justice, both nationally and internationally.”

Carmen Arias recalled that next April 30 will also mark 49 years since their initial march. “Until now, we continue, never failing to be there every Thursday, for almost 50 years”, she underlined.

At the event, it was highlighted that 1976 marked a pivotal moment for Spain. Amid widespread labor mobilizations and victories, far-right groups attempted to intimidate and suppress workers. In this climate, the Atocha massacre of January 1977 took place, explicitly targeting trade union organizations to silence them.

The parallel between Spain’s emerging democracy and Argentina’s brutal civil-military dictatorship underscores the broader global fight against oppression.

The award thus stands not only as recognition but also as a call to remain vigilant in defending human rights and democratic freedoms.

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