Norma Piña, former president of Mexico’s Supreme Court, received the Judicial Independence Award in Paris on October 13, 2025, amid global concern over Mexico’s judicial reform.
Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, retired minister and former president of the Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación (SCJN), was honored with the Judicial Independence Award by the International Union of Magistrates during its 67th Annual Meeting held in Paris, France. The award recognizes her unwavering commitment to judicial autonomy and her leadership during a turbulent period for Mexico’s legal system.
The ceremony took place on Monday, October 13, and also honored Margareth Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. In her acceptance speech, Piña dedicated the award to members of Mexico’s judiciary who protested against the controversial judicial reform introduced in late 2024. “I refuse to believe that all is lost. There is hope, and it is not naïve,” she stated, urging judges worldwide to remain united in defense of judicial independence.
The reform, proposed by Mexico’s executive branch, seeks to restructure the judiciary, including changes to the appointment process of judges and magistrates. Critics argue it threatens the separation of powers and undermines the impartiality of the courts. International legal organizations and human rights advocates have voiced concern, warning that the reform could erode democratic checks and balances.
Piña’s recognition in Paris underscores the global solidarity with Mexico’s judicial community and highlights the importance of safeguarding institutional independence. Her award serves as a symbolic reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law, especially in politically sensitive climates.
👏🏽Honor a quien honor merece.
— Sociedad Civil México (@SocCivilMx) October 13, 2025
Norma Piña, ex presidenta de la @SCJN, recibió en #París el Premio a la Independencia Judicial, otorgado por la Unión Internacional de Magistrados.
Mientras el régimen presiona, el mundo reconoce su valentía.
La justicia libre es pilar de la… pic.twitter.com/B6g8JMlfo7
Sources: Proceso / Sociedad Civil Mexico
