FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 96 - ENGLISH

9 NEWS Fernando Delgado Journalism Award for a professional career distinguished by ri- gour, independence and commitment to the truth. Over recent decades, Sistiaga has pursued extensive journalistic work exposing te- rrorism and explaining the consequences of terrorist violence in Spain. Documen- taries, reports, interviews and testimonies have helped the wider public understand the experiences of thousands of people affected by terror. His work has helped preserve victims’ memory against the risk of oblivion and attempts to distort or exploit what ha- ppened. Through different formats and platforms, he has created opportunities for reflection that offer a deeper unders- tanding of the human, social and political impact of terrorism, always with respect for victims and commitment to the facts. The Victims of Terrorism Foundation has particularly highlighted the educational value of this work. At a time when a sig- nificant proportion of young Spaniards have no direct experience of terrorism’s darkest years, the work of journalists such as Jon Sistiaga is essential to passing on knowledge of what happened and streng- thening the democratic awareness of new generations. His recognition this year is also a tribute to journalism’s role as a guardian of truth and an indispensable means of building a collective memory grounded in rigour and honesty. THE MEMORIAL CENTRE, FIVE YEARS ESTABLISHING A LEADING INSTITUTION The 2026 Special Mention will go to the Memorial Centre for the Victims of Te- rrorism Foundation, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of its opening to the public. In that time, the institution has established itself as one of Spain’s leading organisations for preserving and sharing the memory of victims of terrorism. The award recognises work that com- bines research, documentation, public education and awareness. Through these efforts, the Memorial has made a decisive contribution to preserving testimonies, experiences and historical materials es- sential to safeguarding the right to truth and ensuring that knowledge of what ha- ppened does not fade with time. Since its creation, the Memorial Centre has placed victims at the heart of its ac- count of events, encouraging an unders- tanding of history based on respect for those who suffered violence. Its work has strengthened public recognition of vic- tims and established a permanent space for tribute and reflection. The institution also runs an extensive edu- cational programme for students, teachers and people of all ages. Through exhibitions, courses, publications and outreach activi- ties, it promotes an accurate understanding of the history of terrorism in Spain and en- courages values linked to human rights, de- mocratic coexistence and a culture of peace. For the jury, this sustained commitment makes the Memorial Centre essential to preserving collective memory and buil- ding a society more aware of the impor- tance of truth, justice and victims’ dig- nity. EDUCATION TO PREVENT VIOLENCE Alongside the main honours, the cere- mony will also highlight the Ana María Vidal Abarca school awards, A CityWi- thout Violence , an initiative reflecting the importance of education in preven- tion and coexistence. The awards are open to primary, com- pulsory secondary and upper-secondary students, as well as teachers. They aim to encourage young people to reflect on democratic values, the peaceful resolu- tion of conflicts and respect for human rights. This year’s categories are Best Teaching Project, Best Multimedia Material (video or podcast), Best Written Composition, Best Secondary School Drawing and Best Primary School Drawing. The deadline for submissions was 30 September. The continuation of these awards confir- ms the Victims of Terrorism Foundation’s commitment to preserving remembrance and passing it on to new generations. Re- membering involves more than looking back: it also means building a future in which freedom, respect and coexistence provide the strongest antidote to every form of violence. Through these honours, the twenty-third Victims of Terrorism Foundation Awards once again highlight the importance of literature, journalism, education and institutions in defending democratic re- membrance. This remembrance remains essential to honouring victims, preser- ving the truth of what happened and strengthening the principles on which a free, plural society rests. ` Jon Sistiaga, a leading participant in CONTAR EL TERROR at the University of Navarra