The Jaime Brunet International Prize was established in 1998 with the objective of distinguishing people, organizations and institutions that promote the defence of human rights. It is awarded by the Jaime Brunet Foundation of the UPNA (Public University of Navarre). This award also aims to recognize the work of those who fight to eliminate situations of inhumane or degrading treatment in violation of people's inherent rights to dignity. The prize consists of a diploma, a sculpture commemorating the award and €36,000 in cash.
Jaime Brunet Romero (born July 20, 1926) was of a family that settled in Guipúzcoa in the 18th century. He studied law at the University of Valladolid, where he would later serve as assistant professor. Through his travels, he came to understand the extent of discrimination, violence and abuse committed by the powerful affecting the weak, and how people's most basic rights were infringed every day. He used his fortune to create a foundation that, after his death, would be dedicated to promoting human rights. Brunet died on January 4, 1992, in San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa, Spain).
The headquarters of the Jaime Brunet Romero Foundation are in the Public University of Navarre. It is a permanent, private cultural foundation dedicated to projects of social interest. Through its activities, it promotes respect for human dignity and the elimination of inhumane or degrading situations or treatment. In addition to the Jaime Brunet International Prize, the Jaime Brunet University Prize has been awarded since 2014 to highlight research pursuing such issues. Additionally, since 2017 the Brunet Doctoral Thesis Award has been granted to give recognition to theses with research content directly related to the defense and promotion of human rights.