06-30-2025

Shalom Prize awarded to Colombian peace project

It is one of the most highly endowed donor-funded human rights prizes in Europe and was once again awarded yesterday at the KU: The "Casa Social Cultural y Memoria" peace project in Colombia was honored with the Shalom Prize. Two employees of the project, Carmen Rocio Murillo and Marvin Castro, accepted the award at a ceremony in the Sommerresidenz.

Founded in 2009, the "Casa Social Cultural y Memoria" aims to create an alternative to the conflict-ridden everyday life in the city of Buenaventura. Prof. Dr. Thomas Fischer, holder of the Chair of Latin American History and Director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the KU, referred to the difficult situation in the country's largest port city in his laudatory speech: There is great social inequality, and many young people and women in particular feel they have no prospects. Gang crime as well as drug and arms trafficking also contribute to people slipping into illegal activities. The Safe House, which has now received an award, is doing valuable work here.

Leaders of social movements meet at the "Casa". Volunteers use tools such as mural painting, amateur theater and a recording studio to show young people alternatives to violence. "Especially in times when dehumanization and social division are increasing worldwide, such spaces are invaluable", said Ulrike Schurr-Schöpfel, spokesperson for the working group “AK Shalom” that awards the prize. "With this award, we want to make this extraordinary commitment visible and honor it, while at the same time sending a signal of international solidarity."

Barbara Loos, Chairwoman of the KU University Council, referred to the long tradition of the Shalom Prize, which has been awarded by a working group at the KU since 1981. This continuity of student commitment over so many decades is remarkable, said Loos. Gerhard Rott, Head of the Department for the Universal Church in the Diocese of Eichstätt, described the Shalom Prize as a beacon for human rights and peace within the Fairtrade City of Eichstätt and for the Fairtrade University. The patron of the Shalom campaign is the Mayor of Eichstätt, Josef Grienberger, who in his welcoming address called the project an impressive example of how hope and courage can be created even under the most difficult conditions.

The Shalom Prize is financed by donations collected until December 2025. In recent years, around 30,000 euros have been raised in each case. Last year’s prize went to Jeevika, an Indian project against bonded labor.

Donations can be transferred to the account

Diözese Eichstätt (KdöR)
IBAN DE52 7509 0300 0007 6521 00
Reference: AK Shalom, name of donor, address, place
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